There are few things people are bringing up as arguments against some of my points that I thought were interesting and worth exploring more in the comments. 1. Some are saying Adobe is at fault and THEY are the ones who need to fix their own issues with Xtrans. I don't disagree. I think we can all agree that Adobe having a better demosaicing would be wonderful. However, they can't/won't. So it doesn't matter. In the meantime, Fuji users who use Adobe products (and there are more than a few, obviously) are the ones that suffer. Moreover, what purpose is Xtrans serving in 2020? 2. Many don't like my suggestion that Fuji should enter the FF game, saying that it is over saturated and that it would be market suicide for Fuji to enter. Maybe. But on the other hand, I see concourses of people switching from Sony/Canon to take advantage of the features that the X-T line offers. They are not making that switch because it's APS-C. The fact that it's APS-C is a concession, not a benefit. These people would switch regardless. And if Fuji had a FF body that had a crop mode to support their APS-C lenses, they wouldn't need to increase the size of the body (see the size of the Sony bodies which are nearly the same size as Fuji's). 3. Samsung and Yonguo's failures to create smartphone like features/menus in a camera don't necessarily mean that the idea is bad and would never work. Consider _who_ it was who experimented there and how they did it. We've never seen a Canon, Sony, Nikon, or FUJI attempt it and attempt it well. Until we do, I don't think we can say the idea has no merit. And in the meantime, younger shooters have more reasons not to move over, when they can do more things they want to do socially with their iPhones. And for those who hate this idea, the UI purists: asking Fuji to live in the past will not help Fuji survive in the future. 4. Some say hardware restrictions are why FUJI does not update color profiles. That might explain it in a very few select cases, maybe. But it can't explain it in every case (for example, the x-t200 shipping without Eterna). And it's more than just that. Why limit the use of those profiles in third party editors, for instance? Thus bypassing any hardware issue, if that is indeed the reason for not allowing backward compatibility.
As it pertains to #1, I actually disagree. If Lightroom and ACR can work with 99.99% of the camera sensors out there, but shows problems with one particular sensor, it’s the sensor manufacturer’s fault. Not Adobe.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Would be nice if you could find a way to discuss this point with Fuji representatives. As an engineer I see some technical limitations however Fuji has to respect customer needs and make thing possible to keep on track. The same for Adobe - they have a lot of room for improvements.
As I said in the video, it'd be GREAT if Adobe did a better job of supporting Xtrans (although it appears that they have really tried but just aren't able). But regardless, Xtrans is no longer relevant and needs to go away. It's only hurting FUJI by making it difficult for ALL RAW editors. Blame Adobe if you want. But my question for you is what is FUJI getting out of Xtrans today in 2020 that makes it worth the pain it is for their customers to use RAW editors as they expect to?
@@AndrewGoodCamera But it's only Adobe... I had no issues with any other RAW editor, it can't be that hard when even Apple's build-in engine does a far better job. I'd already be happy if I had the LR option to simply use the OS's RAW engine for Fuji files instead. :(
It doesn't matter. Adobe is the biggest and they won't/can't support Xtrans, so Fuji needs to serve its users and move on from Xtrans, which is not helping anyone in 2020.
@@AndrewGoodCamera I would've disagreed if we'd still be talking about my 16MP bodies, but nowadays you're probably right. Still just increases my Adobe hate. :D BTW - how are they doing with Sigma Foveon files?
@@chrissoclone To be fair, its absolutely not just adobe that has issues with the x-trans array. ALL raw processors do not handle it well. Even the "better" ones struggle with fine detail, anti-aliasing sharp lines or small patterns, and just noise in general. Adobe handles in the worst by far, however with enhance details it ranks as one of the best (but with an annoying and time consuming extra step and additional files). Dark Table and Capture One are also good, but they still struggle with lines and patterns and proper sharpening. X-transformer imo handles it the best but its still just not as good as any competing bayer sensor. Even fujifilms own x-t100 and x-t200 take significantly more detailed images than their higher end cameras entirely due to the bayer array not struggling with fine details. You cant win with x-trans. Its so frustrating as well because they cripple the functionality of their bayer cameras (lack of video features, no compressed raw support, slower processing, less film sims, etc. etc.). A lot of people have this idea that x-trans is better for some reason, so they should keep that around in one of the camera lines for those people. But i wish so badly that they would take one of the nicer camera lines and make it bayer (x-e4 maybe, fuji you listening? please?)
Sadly, all your points are spot on. I love my Fuji lenses (16mm is amazing. 80mm macro is awesome). I love the manual controls on their camera bodies. I love the smaller dimensions and design of them. I love the images I get out of them. However... I don't love the overall build quality. I don't love the repair experience, when their build quality lets you down. I don't love them limiting film simulation updates on older cameras. I don't love the image transfer experience. I'd never completely ditch Fuji (I love my X100 series cameras), but it becomes harder and harder to justify expanding/upgrading my system (XT2) any further, when other manufacturers are starting to make some pretty compelling options in the mirrorless arena. I find myself at least "considering" brands I never would have before, all because of what I don't love about Fuji.
Re: #3, I’ve seen job listings that won’t hire you unless you have a full frame camera... This thinking is just really antiquated IMO. Not saying it wouldn’t be cool to see a Fuji FF, but I think that the bias towards FF and bigger cameras being “more professional” is what needs to change most. (I’ve owned and shot many years with both FF and APS-C btw)
Pre-COVID, I shot for several publications, and frankly I was never asked as to what system I used, frankly they did not care. However, I do recall back in the 80s, interviewing for staff photog positions around the country, and some prospective employers would ask, ”Do you shoot Nikon and if not, are you comfortable and familiar with Nikon gear?”. Well, I was a Canon shooter in a Nikon world back then, and I lied through my teeth to get the job(s). By day I was a Nikon shooter, at home it was all Canon. Anywho, I too have seen some of those postings, but they seem to be low paying contract gigs, looking for photogs to shoot apartments, cars, that sort of thing. I believe that many Nat Geo shooters prefer APS rigs. This is where I respectfully disagree with Andrew. For Fuji to enter the FF realm and go up against the Nikon, Canon, Sony monsters, could be suicidal. Camera sales are falling off a cliff, even Fuji. What is saving them unlike the others are their non-photographic departments, particularly the medical devices. No, Fuji owns APS and seemingly MF as well, stick with what they are good at.
Technically fuji x series is actually full frame because the lenses don't actually crop they actually cover the entire sensor, Just saying if you really wanted to be really obtuse to people about it. And if your really wanted to be horrible you could argue that "full frame" is a crop ( well it is )
I’m afraid Sony, Panasonic, Canon and Nikon can smell blood. Once they start producing really cheap FF bodies, and that’s coming sooner than you think, Fuji’s APS-C venture will be in real big trouble. As always, great video!
I disagree. They are sticking to an avenue that they're winning in because of what they are doing. As mentioned, the huge investment required for R&D to create a whole new line of lenses as well as full frame bodies would pretty much wipe them out completely and then their APS-C products would also suffer in the process. Updates and invocations for that line would then take a huge hit and disrupt their loyal fanbase and the potential to loose customers would be very high. The APS-C range they offer currently give people 90% of what they need with a huge array of features for nowhere near the price of a full frame kit. Why would I pay nearly 4K for the new sony A7SIII, when I can get a more compact APS-C XT-4 with 90% of the features, for 1.5K?! That doesn't even bring in the increased price for the lenses as well. Makes no sense. If you really want "full frame" which is really just gaining coverage from it initial foundation then maybe fuji isn't for you, if your not fussed on the GFX line. I don't me you specifically either, just a new buyer.
I think they won't be in trouble if they update their lenses. Some of them are old and the new 16-80 isn't really a winner. The new Nikon Z lenses are one step ahead ... Fuji should have higher sales margins, their prices are at Nikon Z6 and Sony A7III level at the moment for the X-T4. As long as people buy Fuji gear for that money I see no problem in financial terms.
@@patrick.991 I wasn't talking about fuji. The statement was fuji will be big trouble by cheap FF. The companies releasing these cheap FF are currently falling off a cliff financially.
It's not always that simple. I have a full time job that pays for the Adobe suite. Many others in similar situations. Adobe is pretty much the standard in the creative services industry.
Still missing the point. 90% of people are using Adobe for a reason, and it's more than just paying for another piece of software that I don't want to pay for. Most of the creative industry lives in Adobe. It's silly for FUJI to push against the grain. Adobe is clearly not going to support Xtrans properly, though of course, we all wish they would. But the result is a strong reason for consumers to jump ship. Over what? What is Xtrans getting FUJI in 2020?
That's still true today. If you want to shoot landscapes or architecture for an art exhibition, 4x5 or 8x10 will get you taken seriously. So you may not be making the point you think you're making :)
Really great points Andrew, and while I do agree on the last point you made, I think one of the main issues with having an "Android OS" camera (to run Instagram and so on), that would significantly decrease the shelf-life of these cameras to a level that is similar to that of a smart phone (about say 2 years). The update cycle and hardware requirements on smartphones move a bit too quickly, and the risk is that you end up with a camera that a few years after its release can no longer work as intended (because the Instagram app update doesn't support the older OS version, the older app version talks to a deprecated API, etc.) This is absolutely a choice these manufacturers will have to make, to start seeing their products as ephemeral instead of eternal, but at the same time is goes a bit too much against their culture...
@@AndrewGoodCamera even if they are hardware manufacturer , more so , making hardware/firmware is much more harder/difficult than making software ( i am a software dev).you arleady have bluetooth on fuji so ... just pair it with android app/ios app , and let the app do the download/searching/browsing etc...
@vadergrd that sounds wonderful in theory. In practice, it's crap. See the reviews on the apps. Connectivity is shoddy. Cross-device support is lacking. It's a mess. And beyond that, it's not an easy process to even setup. I brought up my sister and my wife in the video, and they are the users I'm talking about. It's just easier to pull out the phone and take the photo. Until it's that easy to share from a camera, the phone will continue to win when it comes to casual image-taking. And to me, that's a shame.
That's quite an idea about the software being in the camera. Every time I think of opening the Fuji App, this fills me with dread. It's such a bad experience, probably taking longer to get that to connect that it would have been to just remove the card and do it the old way.
@@chinwengkeong Me as well. I got a cable (or adapter?) where I can plug the card into a reader, which plugs directly into my iphone. So I can transfer photos on the fly reasonably fast (primarily JPEGs). And its actually faster than the app!
That mobile app is indeed horrible, however I wouldn't want to see "apps" or software within camera - I'd prefer it to stay as simple and stable as possible. More features, and app-like features come with increased complexity and a camera needs to be stable first of all. I prefer splitting the functionality - camera to stay the camera, and my workstation to do the work on the photos. That being said - even the current menu on the X-T3 feels like it was somehow stitched together and organically growing instead of being properly developed. Some menu items use slightly different fonts, some text appears as icons or graphics instead of text. But at least it's fast and somewhat logical. Just wish they reworked the way X cameras connect to mobile and PC, it's really counter-intuitive.
It is still insane to me that Adobe charges $120 a year for Lightroom and can't implement a VNG or other demosaicing algorithm that can be found in FOSS (Darktable). I'm still a Canon shooter, so it's not an issue that would affect me, but it reinforces my initial decision to use Darktable as my editing software of choice.
Andrew, what you said it’s exactly how I feel. I am an ex Sony shooter and I switched back to Fuji after 4 years of jumping ships, I love their colors I love the vintage look of their cameras. I love the feel and the soul, but there so many rotten corners that I can barely live with, But I never knew about the customer support ...tho I am kind of forged in the hell fires of Sony’s which used to be the worse of all. Anyway, good video that should tell others that you are not a fan boy, but a creator and photographer, no matter the gear or brand.
One thing I can comment on regarding your desire for integration of social media apps: These cameras use processors called ASIC's, which stands for Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. These are specialized CPU's designed for doing very very specific tasks well. They run software basically on the "bare metal", and the firmware is there only to communicate with the camera and it's parts. For instance, the camera would have a built in hardware encoder for H.264/5 files, a mode to do Analog-to-Digital conversions as efficiently as possible, a mode to run exposure calculations and one more to run the autofocus algorithm which relies on the others completing their tasks efficiently. Denoising is another one that takes a good amount of processing power, and Fuji has film sims on top of that. Running an operating system on them as complex as Android would probably take a ton of horsepower (I mean on a modern smartphone it still does) however being able to post/share pictures easily should be possible with a barebones app. Your point still stands: Phone cameras are able to do a ton of work through computational photography and also have robust autofocus and video capabilities, so why can't they do such a thing in dedicated enthusiast/prosumer cameras? Stability, most likely and software + OS licensing costs. In reality I don't know how much more expensive it would be if cameras had processors like top-end smartphones, or even mid range ones with the ability to do all this since cameras on smartphones have been doing this for ages. None of the processors used in cameras have declared many of their specs besides names. No clock speeds, power draws, process nodes, etc. It's possible they are using some cheaply built processors with budget silicon just "good enough" to do the job.
I wonder if it might be possible for Fuji to publish an API and make it available to Android and ios developers so that third parties could create their own apps to interface with Fuji cameras -- apps like Halide or Procamera, for example -- that provide a great user experience. That experience would still be on a smartphone, but it still allows for a lot of innovation.
Pretty much agree with all you said, bar possibly one thing: I don’t think the older cameras have be hardware to support newer film simulations. From what I remember, things like Acros and Classic Negative require some fairly heavy number crunching or specialised processing circuitry. I don’t know this for sure, so it might be nonsense. That said, I can’t see any reason Capture One or Lightroom don’t let me use e.g. Classic Negative on my X-T2 raw files.
Sometimes it is less that there is not enough power in a system, but just the program is not written for an older systems. So they don't go out their way to rewrite it.
With Acros that was true, due to the way that it distributed grain according to light levels etc, and they explained that when Acros was launched with the first X-Trans 3 cameras. I’m not seeing that with anything later though. Eterna, Classic Neg are just colour profiles surely, even Fuji don’t really claim there’s anything else going on there.
Sadly, I have to agree with you 100%. I say sadly, because I have invested heavily into the Fuji X system, but all of your points are spot on. Let's hope that Fuji-san watches this video and takes some steps to react positively and address the points you mentioned. Well done Andrew.
Totally agree with most of this, especially their value/lut philosophy and customer support. On the full frame market i strongly disagree, Fuji is known for excellent small glass and retro style cameras. Everyone wanting to step up resolution can go GFX, everyone wanting more speed can opt for other manufacturers. Fuji spreading their development of lenses/software/hardware on even more sensors not only damages all the current lineup, but also their brand identity. I also wish for a small and fast GFX for the future competing with the likes of a X1D and attracting pro photographers, but following the small premium tactile philosophy Fuji is so far ahead in compared to other manufacturers.
Fuji lens are the most frustrated aspect point in the x ecosystem, fuji need to remake f1.4 line up, make it autofocus faster, and better finding focus point in low light
And the gfx system has slow lenses, we can argue they are studio lenses but with the ibis on the gfx100 and the huge portability of the system compared with hassi/phase one, is stupid that my 63mm. 45mm are just 2.8 and not 2.0 or 1.7. If they want to move people from FF to MF, they need to give FF shooters better or equivalent tools.
@@RaistlinMaj You do know, that those f-numbers do not compare 1:1 between different sensor sizes? A GF63 f2.8 would be about a 50 f2.0 on a 35mm camera
@@bpetrikovics yessss, even 35mm f1.4 sometimes so slow when finding focus in low light it's still go to lens for me, there's something about the lens😀😀
A couple of comments: 1. X-trans sensor - I will continue to use LR/Photoshop so as a matter of process I batch Fuji RAW files through Iridient X-trans to DNG files and dump the original RAWs. I think it is only for green things (foliage) that it makes any significant difference, but that beats paying for and learning Capture One (or whatever) for some minor improvement! 2. Regarding Full-frame, this reminded me of a DPreview article I read today. I put a quote below, but essentially it says that the magnificent camera producers of Japan have in fact, for the past couple of decades, been just smashing each other with technology improvements, rather than taking a wider view and recognising competiive forces like smart phones. I think for Fuji to go FF would be just more of that - better for them to make a much lower price version of the GFX (and reasonably priced lenses) for us poor enthusiasts and thereby leap-frog the over-stuffed full frame market. QUOTE: "More fundamentally, Masamichi [Olympus chief designer] believes the camera industry itself is to blame, as ‘excessive competition’ has created a fast-moving, unsustainable market that will inevitably lead to camera manufacturers paying the ultimate price: ‘Smartphones are not the only reason Japanese camera makers, who had established an oligopoly nearly everywhere around the world, have come to this point. Japanese industry, which has a penchant for competing against its own products, can also blame itself.’ Masamichi references an unsourced quote he says was shared 11 years ago by Hiroshi Hamada, the former Chief Operating Officer of Hoya, who had acquired Pentax around the time of his tenure: ‘Digital camera companies intend to strangle their rivals through excessive competition, but in the end they’ll strangle themselves’" UNQUOTE 3. Putting image development software in the camera-body....dunno, sounds redundant. I shoot RAW, but I understand you can adjust JPEG settings quite finely BEFORE taking the shot, then upload to whatever instant gratification social vortex. I cannot imagine massaging tones and colours on a tiny screen in the sun to improve on what the camera JPEG software can achieve. Personally, having used INSTAGRAM briefly (and being one of the 5% wedded to FLIKR - yes, LOTS of RUBBISH posted there - and SmugMug), I think Smart phones are preferred for that service - kind of a waste of investment in proper camera/lenses to end up with a small JPEG file on Instagram. Andrew, this was another great video which stimulated lots of thoughts (at least for me!). PS: different subject - a year+ ago I picked up a cheap X-T1 which I have grown to admire greatly (versus X-T30, departed Leica Q2, etc.). Back at that time I recall you mentioning in one of your videos that you had a special need/interest/passion for this first of the X-trans II bodies. Anything come of that? Just for interest sake. John from Melbourne
I think they still see the problem in competition from other photo camera manufacturers, not smartphones. The fast pace of innovation eating their margins etc. I think there are 3 fundamental strategies how to beat that, either provide do much quality that smartphones cannot compare (ff, dynamic range - Sony etc), provide great old fashion camera sitting experience (Fuji) and beat phones on their own field (Android, built in photo editor, easy sharing - 4g, gps, excellent automatic mode with manual possible, better photo quality and ergonomics). Manufacturers need to find their niche, because there market is shrinking. 15 years ago anybody who wanted to sit had to buy camera, now you have to have reasons why not to just use smartphone. 90% people just want to take picture that looks decent and post it to social media. Both Pentax and Olympus didn't understand, Oly is out of game already and Pentax will follow soon.
@@fotovojta7983 Are phones really a threat to the camera industry? Perhaps camera companies need to start producing gear for photographers and not snap-shooters. That includes adequately sized, reasonably priced UHD displays, which would actually allow us to see what our cameras are capable of. Because all these folks with little 27" screens (at best, many use 15" laptops) who are desperately preaching stuff like "cameras don't matter" or "sensor size makes no difference", don't know what they are talking about. It's madness. It's like producing cars that can go 1000MPH, but there are no roads for such speeds. Camera companies still have a few cards up their sleeves. They can stop the intentional camera crippling (what they call "segmentation"). There's no objective reason why a $2000 camera should have a worse EVF than a $3500 camera, other than making people suffer and want a better EVF. Also they can start producing 16-bit sensors. Which would make any current 14-bit camera significantly inferior and boost the new camera sales. And then they could up their game by replacing the crop systems with FF and replacing the FF with Medium Format. Which isn't really as terrifying as it sounds, because most FF lenses (Canon RF, Nikon Z) can already cover the whole 44x33 chip (well, maybe except Sony with their little E mount). People are having a lot of fun with adapting fast FF lenses to the GFX. Because size matters. Huge, ultra-high definition pictures are so much more fascinating, than little snapshots. And no phone can ever touch it.
Your first and second points are ... on point. Sure, I know the worming problem, but do I care? Or do I see them when I look at an image on instagram or on a web page or small print? No. Perhaps if I were to print them larger than A4, then yes. But then I would change to the free version of CaptureOne Express, and export it from there. A workaround? Yes, but I seldom print that large. I get where the camera manufacturers come from: the want you to buy their new shit which is all fantastic because it has more X than the older versions and their competitors. I don't care for the "spec warz". Sure, it was fun back in the early 2000s when I worked at a camera store. It doesn't matter anymore. Megapixels? They don't matter anymore, and who goes around remembering that number on a daily basis? I don't. We got enough. Focus points? I don't know what they do, and why they are so many (and I don't care). Lately I've been experimenting with film recipes on my XT-2, and it's been a blast. I shoot both raw and JPG, but now I seldom touch the raw file. I just import it into Lightroom and back it up several places. The JPGs come out so good I don't have to do anything with them. I just upload them to Instagram or any other sharing services. I do that all from my phone. I want more of that. Give me features that lets me get more creative. Give me more of that. It was why I initially chose to change to the fuji X-system in the first place.
I wanna ask you as experienced Fuji user. Recently I bought X-T3, and it didn't turn on with SD card inside. In order to turn on I forced to remove and insert battery. I checked both slots. Then I tried to insert SD card into operating camera (since it didn't turn on with SD card), it shuts down (as it should) but didn't turn on. So I tried each way. Called Fuji hotlines, both was on auto-response, both said they'll call me back but they didn't. Then I called store where I bought, they took camera for diagnostics (it was july 24th) and leaved until Monday when general manager should arrive. Store employee tweaked some settings and it worked properly for a moment, but when I turned off and put second SD card, it didn't turned on again. Today they called and said that they didn't find any malfunction with camera, general manager spoke with me about that (with a slight arrogant tone, implying that I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to put SD cards in camera). So I have no idea what to do. Maybe really I did something wrong, but really, I only tweaked settings for manual vintage lens I bought, turned off all sounds, attached protective screen and then was about to take some test shots. Laws in my country pretty bs regarding "complex tech" and if there's no failure I can't legally claim a replacement or anything. I'll test my camera tomorrow in store for sure, but considering that I collected money for almost two years for this camera, this is a pretty painful experience. I also contacted Fujifilm itself, department from my country and Tokyo headquarters, dunno if they'll answer at all, but I'll hope for the best. So, I'll be very grateful for any of your comment on this situation, I mean, about probable issues with SD cards etc. Yeah, SD cards was pretty normal, SanDisk and Sony, not some third party shady stuff.
That sounds like a horror story. This is the first I've ever heard of someone encountering that particular issue. Clearly a defective unit. I hope you're able to get a replacement.
@@AndrewGoodCamera it was faulty SD card, can you believe that? Manager took another x-t3 and it didn't turn on with that card inside. Never I thought that simple SD card could cause such an issue. (since that card worked perfectly in other devices I didn't thought about possible card failure, but the most strange thing is that this faulty card is still works fine in my old Nikon, PC and other tech)
I like the X-Trans, but I don't really edit my photos. I remember my X-E2 out performing my old A7II for detail, being one of the reasons that I switched to Fujifilm. My prints were exponentially better. I like that they skip FF, this way I can use aps-c, which I prefer 90% of the time, and it have focus and intent in its development. I wanted to get into Canon M originally, but they didn't support it. I don't have a lot of interest in FF, the lenses are too big, heavy, and expensive for the minor advantages that FF brings. I take more photos now, because of the aps-c experience, and to me that's what it's important. Triggered tantrum over. ✌️ 😉
@@kreimsnta resolving detail for print. The 24mp full frame on the Sony doesn't have the same perceptual detail as the 16mp X-Trans in my printed examples. Also, the colour noise (even as low as iso 800) present on the Sony sensor when even slightly underexposed is incredibly distracting compared to the Fujifilm files. Eventually, I switched to the X-T2 from the Sony, and it's like they're not even playing the same game. My old A7II felt like it was minumum 5 years older than the X-T2. And I felt really embarrassed for buying into the "snake oil" of FF for the sake of FF. There are definitely terrible FF cameras out there. Right now, anyone promising you anything more than more DoF at the equivalent focal length, and aperture, or bigger pixels at the equivalent mp value, is telling you fairy tales. Even DR is not enough of a gap between sensor size anymore. I'm not a brand loyalist or anything. Honestly I'd have Canon M if they had more than 2 lenses.
のぢGrey I sold my Canon eos 6d fullframe because my Fuji xt2 photos look better. Fuji have Better dynamic range compared to most Canon fullsensor cameras. The Only advantage the fullsensor eos 6d had was the shallow dept of field when wanting it. Some people speaks About That the fullsensor cameras let in so much more light compared to aps c. About 2 stops. Not true. I made a comparison between Canon eos 6d and my Fuji xt 2. Same iso and same F stop. Lense on Canon 50mm and Fuji 35 mm so equivalent lense. Maximum 0.5 stop difference. Sorry for Long post and bad english. Cheers
@@gunnarblomquist4412 this is accurate to my experience also. Aps-c takes in less light, but it is usually correctly compensated by iso gain power. This is why aps-c has more noise than full frame, but with newer sensors and technology gain noise is becoming irrelevant. There are new m4/3 panasonic cameras that can come close to or beat older FF cameras for noise performance. Also, if I want more bokeh, I just put on a longer lens and step back. Usually bokeh is for portraits, when I can move myself and the subject if necessary. ✌️ 😉
のぢGrey yes i agree. I think the difference is more noise At higher iso with the aps c compared to fullframe. With my Fuji i rarely shoot higher than 1200 iso so i see no problem with my photos. If i shoot landscape in early morning or evening i use tripod anyway and shoot base iso. This is an Interesting pro photographer comparing Fuji xt3 with Nikon Z7 and the mediumformat Fuji gfx50r for big Prints: th-cam.com/video/zZNr24yVD9s/w-d-xo.html&feature=share The unfair thing is that he has a Fixed lense on the Fuji Gfx 50r. Zoom lense on the other to cameras. The Fixed lense has a better sharpness at the corners. He also prints superbig and comparing. He says from normal viewing distance there is not a big difference in detail in the photos. Only when Looking very close you see difference in the details.
17:18 #6: True mobile support Why are cameras not like phones? Battery life, maybe? Space restrictions? Not only do cameras have tiny batteries compared to smartphones, you also don't have to charge the camera every day. You want phone-app features in your camera, prepare for a way bigger battery. And by bigger, I mean goodbye to the small pocket size Fuji camera of today. Unless you want to charge it every 5 min, editing your raw files on a tiny 3" screen. You put your camera in your bag, and when you a week later want to take a picture, you just take it out of your bag and turn it on. Try doing that with your smartphone. You can if you shut down your phone, but then, how long will it take before you can take a picture? You want Android in your camera? Every time you shut your camera off or take the battery out, you will have to wait min. 2 min for it to boot up again? Direct connectivity to websites? Prepare for a new subscription-based ISP hell. You are ready to pay for that? And where will you put the sim-card? Will you give up a card-slot for it? As a photographic tool, modern cameras are actually small electronic marvels at what they are built for.
Completely agree with you. All the people who want to instantly share their photos take then on their phones anyway. Instagram in camera would be such a gimmick and when you think about it, make the UI even worse. Afterall guys, newest phones still have NFC use that to get whatever picture you want into your phone edit it in lighroom or whatever and post it. I can bet it would be faster than with an IG enabled camera.
It's good for such dedicated Fuji users to be honest about their complaints. There's no other way for Fuji to know and address these issues if loving users don't tell them about it. Thank you, Andrew. Hopefully, Fuji listens to you and Fuji users alike and continues to ignore the haters. I agree with you for the most part. Though, personally, for a few reasons, I have no desire for Fuji to enter the Full-frame market. I also would absolutely hate a camera that was connected directly to any social media platforms. I use a SD card reader that plugs into my phone -- I can import Raw files directly to my camera roll, or even directly into Lightroom Mobile. It's much faster than using the camera's wifi connection. Like many, I do really hope Fuji comes out with a swath of new primes. Perhaps all F1 primes, with weather sealing, and their faster, quieter, linear focusing motors. I also have been horribly frustrated by the quality control of my XH1 (not to mention the body design). I had to send it in just a month or two after purchasing because the ISO dial got stuck to the drive dial beneath it so that both dials turned simultaneously. I've also had an issue with 2 different XH1's that their electronic connection to the lens will short out so that the camera doesn't know there's even a lens attached. You have to remove the lens and put it back on to get back the connection. Fuji does not seem to know why this happens. Also, while shooting video with the battery grip attached to the XH1, the video will cut when a battery dies. WHAT THE HECK. What is the point of the grip if I still have to babysit my camera and make sure that I'm not shooting anything important when my battery starts to get low? Absolutely unacceptable. ps, I do love Fujifilm.
The best argument for updating picture profiles in older units is making them more desirable on the used market. If you can't sell your XT3 to buy and XT4 what's the point? As for FF, Make a L mount with a GFX-L adaptor so people can share glass between the systems.
In 2013 I bought my first mirrorless camera, a Samsung NX300. Since day 1 I could take a picture or video and post it on Facebook or TH-cam. I still don't know why in 2020 I can't do a simple task like that (and more) with my Fuji.
Impeccable timing. Thanks for posting this, Andrew. I just listed my Fuji gear today because I'm stepping into a FF camera system. It's come down to skin tone and texture on the X-trans sensor. These cameras are incredible, but I share you perspective on what needs to improve to keep their customer base. I'm just starting out my freelance journey in the wake of this COVID situation in FL, and I'm determined to create a consistent look for my clients more than remain brand loyal atm. Thanks again for sharing!
My wish list: *** deeper grip and make use of it for the battery compartment - probably in an X-H2 *** mode dial and user specific modes U1, U2, U3 for all settings including e.g. white balance, iso, shutter speed (flash photography), probably in an X-H2, as X-T and X-Pro series will keep dedicated dials for shutterspeed and iso. Why not use a mode dial on the X-H2? *** all those film simulations to be uploaded into the camera. Have a look at Nikon or especially Canon, where I can find hundred of profiles online or even create a profile myself and load up to 3 different "alien" profiles into my camera
The BIGGEST issue to me is your last, regarding the software and ease of sharing. I hate when friends/family hand me their phone if they see I'm readying to take a pic they want, so they can share their shot instantly, knowing mine won't get out fast enough. Honestly, it almost negates the reason I'm taking that pic in the first place and at times deters me from shooting. However, as I tune my JPG profiles and Lightroom Mobile, I'm getting faster!
Rather agreed there. Plus, I'd very much like to know why people actually think they *need* to instantly share photos of their kids or family the second they take it. Makes no sense to me at all. I'd rather camera companies improve other aspects of their system and leave the post-processing/sharing to other platforms that are more suited to it. (Plus, all of those features cost money, and I'd rather not pay for features I won't use anyway.)
@Denis. May not make sense to you, but it's what the majority of people wish do with the photos they take. And even if they don't want to do it MOST of the time, even if it's occasionally thatif they have to put down their camera and pick up their phone, that's a problem for FUJI.
@@apricanephoto people need to instantly share pictures because they are addicted to Instagram, they need instant gratification from likes and comments. They should seek help, not a camera/smartphone hybrid that encourages this type of harmful behavior.
I'm experiencing some "camera blackouts"... a few black frames if snap zooming out with auto-aperture. Fuji rep says it's the photometry sensitivity, but there's nowhere to adjust that for video specifically. Maybe Still setting will do it for both.. If that's not the case, or the fix, I'm afraid to send this in for a look as I need it again to shoot in a week. I was actually going to ship it today too... thanks for the heads up on likely delays.
You hit the nail on the head on the connectivity issue. All camera makers are increasing catering to a shrinking “pro” market where they argue about things like 4k120 vs HD and overheating. If you want to sell more cameras, that’s a sure fire way to fail. The real growth has to come from consumers, and that is: small body, very usable anti shaking and autofocus, enough zoom range and most importantly: immediate connectivity to the internet. And no: that does not mean image.Canon. That means TH-cam and Tiktok. And honestly, photography only is dying. Video is the future and present. And this “fix it in post”, LUT table, gosh, and you wonder why camera companies are failing? LOL, you want consumers to deal with these kind of BS? Also, all the audio qualities are shit, and then TH-cam channels tell people to buy these impossibly hard to use gadgets to improve quality. Which consumer’s gonna do that? Seriously, classic folly.
Super interesting that you’ve had reliability issues. I’ve had an xt1 since release and it has kicked around in the bottom of backpacks and in glove boxes, been rained on and has gone all around North America and Central America through rain, blizzard, dust storms, and has never malfunctioned or even needed to be serviced. I mean at this point the paint is so chipped off it looks like a camo pattern. What are you doing to your cameras that is causing them to fail?
Canadian here. I was living in Hawaii last year and my lens broke. I had to ship it out to the New Jersey Fuji headquarters to get it fixed. It took almost 6 weeks for it to fix.
I agree with everything you touched on. I started shooting Fuji (coming from Nikon film and crop DSLR bodies with FF glass) back in the beginning stages of X-trans for; a) the classic ergonomics and the rangefinder style, both I have been missing for a couple decades. b) the 16mp X-Trans array and how THAT particular output had a film grain structure that was different from any other digital output I tried and more appealing to me. c) the camera support (kaizen), and how my cameras and lenses are "re-newed" constantly and at no additional cost. Since then, I have upgraded to new models and have a bunch of XF glass and third party glass, I've even adapted old F mount lenses, but as resolution increased and features added to give more, I being a long time Lr user have been increasingly frustrated with the workflow to offset the effects of the X-Trans array for paid work or personal projects. I don't know why Adobe and Fuji can not address this. I have recently started looking at Nikon again and want to get into FF and use all those F mount lenses to its full capability. I trust the bayer sensor to do the job. Looking at past images shot on [for example] my D200, I am impressed how back then my images rendered. Jumping the Fuji ship and getting a D850 is looking very attractive to me for hard core image quality and work. I am not 100% sold on the Z system yet, but I already have a head start on F mount so any FF Nikon is probably my next step. IQ is a major thing for me, I could care less about video and I do eventually want a GFX50R for this portraits and back country landscapes but that's not affordable right now. I love Fuji X to death but I am not impressed with them in the last year and I may be selling off all my gear soon, maybe keeping the X-E1 and X100T for those artistic things I like to do on occasion. Fantastic talk as always.
I personally couldn’t care less if my sensor is Xtrans or Bayer, but I really don‘t see how Adobe products failing to properly handle Fuji files is Fuji‘s fault. Xtrans sensors are not exactly a brand new thing, yet Lightroom - a product you pay a monthly subscription for - still can‘t handle them. What I really want to see from Fuji: - Mark II versions of their fast primes (I mainly want fast and quiet AF and WR) - more third party lenses P.S.: You can‘t get the mobile experience on a camera, because a camera has no mobile SoC, which has a superior CPU, GPU and nowadays also a neural engine. An no, for the love of god, don‘t but Android on my camera. (That doesn’t excuse the slow and painful transfer process though)
It doesn't matter whose fault it is. Adobe is massive. And most people use Adobe to edit photos. So who suffers? Fuji and their users. Maybe you don't use Adobe. But 90% of people do. Again I ask you, what purpose is Xtrans serving in 2020 that they still hold on it to it?
Andrew & Denae As I said, I have zero problems with Fuji switching to Bayer. Your probably right, it would benefit them. But this is not something I „hate“ about Fuji. This is something I hate about Adobe and Lightroom: a supposedly PROFESSIONAL software which requires me to pay a significant monthly fee to be able to continue using it and receive updates. Yet they still haven’t figured out or refuse (which would be worse) to probably handle Fuji files. I would be way more pissed at Adobe than Fuji, especially if I would be a professional.
@@AndrewGoodCamera ... I see your point, but there should be no excuse for Adobe not being able to process Fujifilm X-Trans RAW files by now where others can... similar situation in how slow Premiere would render video, until recently. FCP and Davinci Resolve was running circles around Premiere and customers started to jump ship! Capture One is a viable alternative to LR and I wish Aperture was still in-play.
Not sure they need a FF offering if they can get their medium format down in price and up in performance? Not updating the f1.4 primes is the main issue I have; having silent, small, fast primes will reenforce the advantage of APS-C being a smaller system as well as giving them a video advantage. Anyway, all really good points and everything else aligns with my thinking after using Fuji for 5 years - and also being a product designer. The only thing I haven’t had experience with is their US service but have heard that it is better in Australia. I am giving Fuji to the end of the year to make a final assessment about moving to Canon, Nikon, or Sony. There are some interesting things going on in that space now, especially as their bodies get down to the same price, size and weight as an XT4. I’d prefer to stay with Fuji but want updated lenses, a sign they will provide firmware updates to the XT3, to find a solution for xtrans and Lightroom issues (likely buy Topaz Denoise or Capture One), and a much better/working mobile app!
Found it useful when I did som travelling a week back. But the camera message and options makes no sense. The more I left it alone, the better experience I got. Whenever I tried to understand it by clicking on it in camera, it all fell apart: got random disconnects and it was painfully slow. But if I just left it alone, then it all worked perfectly.
Agree. The app sucks. And why do I have to turn on the location function for it to work at all? Makes no sense. I usually keep location off of my phone and iPad as I don’t want to share my location through SoMe or anyone spying on my whereabouts. Why should I turn it on just to pull pictures out of my camera. Really makes no sense at all.
Fuji did a great job not developing a FF camera, until now I still think it's a good strategy. I am Fuji-Nikon user for 10+ years, starting from Fuji S5pro-D7200-XE2-D3S-XT3. I love the Fuji white balance+color, and nikon af for sport. During past 10years, I also had sony and canon(G9) DC. Like other manufacturer Fuji already spend 20+ years evaluate APSC and FF, and they work with Nikon APSC system. From my point of view, Fuji realized they don't have good enough technology in AF system. Then Fuji start from sensor (X-trans CCD to BSI now) and Fuji color style (I would say color friendly) and take the advantage of Nikon lens. Unlike Sigma, Fuji jump into camera body business instead of a 3rd party lens manufacturer. If Fuji develop FF lens, they will be huge, heavy, slower, noisy, and expensive! They don't need to compete against all other major manufacturers in FF. That's my guess why Fuji major in APSC. Fuji found APSC could be a niche market, and they could make it in a good way. Furthermore, take a look at the Fuji lens now. I assume Fuji are planning to provide good lens in good quality, optics, compact, and price are still reachable. I feel Fuji are really creating a new style of camera system rather than making a photo taking machine. Starting from extreme 1.4/1.2 lens for photographer, and now f2 for video. Meanwhile, Fuji also provide very high balance kit lens that you can’t ignore.
Oh jeez, this is a very compelling video. Clearly i like how you have been so respectful about how you deliver your findings and experiences. I have quite a few Fuji xt models, i find myself upset also that they would not add filters to the older ranges. I moved to Fujifilm because of its colour technology, its sharpness, its constant updates and it works for me with business as a commercial photographer and as an artist. I still have days were im doing event work and pull an XT1 out for quickness and incredible sharp results on people in low light with flash. Its interesting you brought up this issue of worms on xtrans, i get that a lot on the xt2/3 with my commitment to adobe bridge for pre editing RaW works. Might i see less in Lightroom? I love fujifilm, and i hear they may also like me haha, but it would be nice to see Acros and updates to older models im so thankful you brought by his up. That said these filters can be figured out and made in the camera and adjusted via tone/highlight/ and contrast sections and saved to CS settings. £1.99 per month for a channel that will sincere cover cruciall topics and actually help people get better results (cliché) but true. This is a Channel that is helpful and passionate and appreciated. Thank you so much.
A GPS unit in a camera is quite battery hungry. I have GPSLogger running in my phone all day long and sync the logged track with my photos in Lightroom later. Very easy.
Hi Andrew, I listened to this with interest. It seems the difficulty for Fuji, or any manufacturer, is that there are almost as many use cases as there are users. Genuinely, with the exception of the 'worm' issue, no of the items you mention are of concern. #1 - I very rarely use video, #2 - yes, the worm issue bugged me (see what I did there) I switched to C1 and I haven't thought about it since, #3 - I switched to Fuji because I was tired of a heavy FF Nikon, #4 - colour profiles, yeah maybe. As long as I can see b+w in the viewfinder when I'm thinking in b+w that's good enough for me. #5 - durability has been fine for me and I go through periods when I shoot a lot. I've not needed support so I can't comment. #6 - I used mobile support a couple of times because I could. I don't think I've ever turned the Bluetooth on. In fact, now I think about it, I don't know what it does. And isn't that the problem, you ask the next user they'll have a whole different set of priorities from both you and me. You can't please all the people all the time, you have to try to please most of the people most of the time. For my money, Fuji do that fairly successfully.
All of these aren't necessarily huge issues for me either. But the reason I think they are BIG issues for FUJI is because if they don't take a good hard look at them, it will continue to cost them market share.
I just bought an xt1 not long ago. I am happy with it so far but it’s a learning curve for me coming from canon and sony. I haven’t bought any fuji lenses yet i have been adapting m42 and minolta md lenses since i was doing that with my other cameras. In my limited research it seems the fuji lenses are more expensive then what I thought they would be. I have considered getting some manual focus off brand lenses for it or getting an autofocus adapter to use my canon lenses. Not really sure what will be the best option for me.
The statement at 05:06 it's the less discussed problem ever about Fui, in fact even the best zoom lenses has this kind of "problems", while the cheaper lumix or other brand zoom lenses does not. For an hybrid system, like the Mirrorless Fuji X, is a huge problem mostly related to lens "design" so hard to solve in the future, surely not just via firmware.
Can I add another couple of favourite "hates"? 1) The 30 min video limit. If the GH5 can have unrestricted recordings then why not Fuji, and, 2) the micro HDMI connector, which is so sensitive, I only have to breath on it to drop out, forcing me to buy a cage with cable clamps just for this one feature!
Hi Andrew, Someone else might have commented on this already, but I have had cause to use the UK Fujifilm repair centre a few time recently. My experience is overwhelmingly positive, from receiving a refund when they found no fault, to emails when the item is received, phone calls when needing to discuss, and, wonder of wonders, an online form which allows the email contacts etc. Their e-mail support for the repair centre is also fantastic. I hope that they will roll this service out to other areas, as it is truly fantastic, and much better than my previous experience of other brands. I certainly agree with the focus breathing and exposure jumping issues, though, and regarding the film profile availability. Great, thoughtful, and considered content as always. Keep up the great work! Best wishes Andrew
Re: Fuji service issues. I’m lucky enough to have a strong local camera dealer. Every new camera I’ve bought for over 20 years has been through them. If there’s a service issue, I take it back to the store and it gets dealt with. If the warranty’s expired, I pay for it. Over the years I’ve had Canon, Panasonic, and Fuji serviced through the store. So here’s my plug for a local store with a door, and a shoutout to Don’s Photo in Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Canada. And yes I had the T4 shutter issue, coupled with the 2nd card slot not reading class II cards. It was a very early T4 as I had preordered it and got it in early June. Don’s returned it and the second T4 I got shortly thereafter is perfect.
Hi Andrew, since you really know the video side of the fuji system, and I already got the Xt3 (first camera I ever bought), what Zoom lens and prime lens would you recommend for someone who mainly do run and gun shooting with autofocus? I owned the 18-55 kit lens already, I am thinking of getting the 23mm f2 for lower light ability or would you recommend the 16-55 f2.8 instead? THanks.
@@IsaacFromHK I prefer the zooms for video. But I try to never zoom whilst filming (due to the dip in exposure and focus issue). 16-80 f4 most of the time and 16-55 2.8 when in lower light.
Hi Andrew, I like this video (I do like most of your content)- I'm with Fuji since S5Pro, currently X-T1 and X-T4 with tons of lenses. I disagree with Fuji going FF (currently would be to risky for business due to Canon, Nikon & Sony war). I do agree with "LUT" profiles; I can't comment on sensor type since I 'm happy with my photography results and using C1 - just not happy with Adobe subscription model. 1. Fuji should allow users with manual colour profiles upload option. 2. GPS build in would be a nice option to see as build in. 3. Face/eye autofocus to be improved As per still hobbyist photographer I'd be perfectly happy with above. One more to disagree: - Apps on camera for sharing/editing content (controversial to me) would require programming development and probably an OS to support that on camera and finally could slow down some more photography important features (not with current tech from IT perspective). As additional to those talking about phone photography, please take into your consideration how long it takes to turn your phone from been completely off to the point where you can start taking pictures - would you be happy for your camera to have a "boot" time? -the simple reason why it takes time 10sec to possibly even a min or more is todays technology with memory and components speed that has to load Operating System to the memory. Yes OS will allow to run some software specific for your photo needs but traditional camera will always be focused to turn on and shoot - be ready in no time.
Fuji’s North America Service Center SUCKS! I called them a couple of years ago when the Camera Remote iOS app stopped connecting to my X100T camera and everyone else’s Fuji camera if you read the reviews. He told me it must be my WiFi connection which is powered by a circuit board and it would need to be replaced. The technician told me there is nothing wrong with their app, he even laughed at me over the phone and told me I was wrong, that no one else was having problems with the app. I told him to look at the reviews on the Apple App Store if he didn’t believe me. The app had a 1 Star rating at the time. He still said I was wrong. So I called him an idiot and hung up. Fast forward to Fuji’s next update to their Camera Remote App and my camera is connecting again. Guess I wasn’t wrong after all! It’s crappy service like that that gives me pause about buying more Fuji products.
Mr. Andrew, I don't want to talk about this video specifically. I would like to share that you do have a very charismatic presence on the camera and a feeling of honesty and simpleness. I am changing for Fuji system and I hope you keep sharing your experience and tips for Fuji users like me (in the future). Greatings!
New firmware for the X-T4 just dropped, and it looks like they improved the exposure transition issue in video. It looks like exposure changes much smoother than previously. I know you have mentioned that being one issue that's bugged you in the past as it has mine. Would love to see if you concur with these improvements.
Right now im having issue with my xt3. An error Msg regarding battery show up intermittently and Flicker. I had sent in to service, got it back fixed but after 2 days of use, same issue again. Tomorrow taking to service center again. Anybody had the same issue?
Question: Are you using Fuji's NP-W126S battery, the one with the round orange dot on the end? Earlier, W-126 batteries will give you and error message warning of more rapidly depleating power. Hope this helps.
@@jeffadrian7271 yes I'm using 126S battery. But you are right, message that pop up is regarding that only. Service center said they did some re calibration. by which I think they mean, they increased the battery leakage level threshold for the Msg to pop up. And it was okay after I recieved it from service center. May be when I use back button focusing there is a spike in leakage above that threshold they set and again the Msg is poping up. This is what I suspect.
@@jeffadrian7271 last week it was still under warranty. This week its not. I really hope they didnt just do a cosmetic work to hide the real issue as it was under warranty. And this week I'm afraid they will charge me for hardware replacement. But anyway I'll go and see what happens.
1: I shoot video so rarely, this doesn't impact me, but everything you said makes sense. It also seems like something that could be done without changing the overall system. 2: I don't know that I have a strong preference. I recall picking the x-trans images overwhelmingly in your blind test, but ,as you said, the x-trans sensors were newer and higher res. It IS a pain that editing software doesn't always play well with the files, but I like Capture One, so it doesn't bother me, personally. 3: I'll echo what others have said; I don't think 'full frame' deserves it's place as 'the standard from which all other sensors deviate'. When 35mm film came out, REAL photographers considered it a toy, and not something they would ever use. I think coming out with a 35mm type sensor would tank Fuji. I don't see any camera company having the spare resources to develop an entirely new system , even if they leveraged an existing mount. 4: Yeah, that seems like what we call a 'dick move'. I don't feel like there can be any technical limitations to justify it, so I agree they need to make this stuff available on older models. 5: Having only recently started using Fuji, I haven't run into this much, although I HAVE seen the green flicker you mentioned, on my X-T3. Weird, and a little distracting, but if that's all it does, I can live with it. Hopefully I don't have to deal with support any time soon. 6: I'd love to see more editing built in, definitely. I like the film simulations enough that I have done a quick edit in camera, saved as a jpg, sent to the phone, and uploaded from there. Not TOO much of a hassle, but still more steps than would be ideal.
Thankfully this video didn't come out a week earlier as I just enjoyed 10 days on the beach with my Fuji cameras and had a great time...now I found out I was deceived they are not good enough for the videos I shot and the fact I didn't edit them on the tiny screen with sand all over my hands means they are not good enough :-)
I can’t help but notice a lot of Fuji disappointment from users lately at least on the feeds that I regularly watch. Since the XT4 has been released, people have really started talking about the lenses having poor performance in video etc and want improvements, which are totally valid. I agree with most of the comments in this video, however I can’t see how Fuji would get into full frame regardless of how much people want that. Their model is APS-C and medium format and I personally like it and Fuji are heavily invested in that. Coming from full frame I’ve always been amazed by Fuji raw files, the differences are minor. The trade off of having smaller bodies and lenses, for me is perfect. Fuji are more likely going to fine tune what they have where they have little market competition. I would like to see lens improvements for video, improved menus, af more in line with Sony / Canon and yes connectivity needs some work. I appreciate your videos Andrew.
Yes... the lenses that are being used on the X-T4 has been adorned on many X-H1, X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro3, X-T3, and X-T30... they add IBIS and a flip screen and it just seems that the camera is now unusable and lenses are broken. Why was no one disappointed or listed major flaws with the X-T3 and X-T30 performance? These reported problems must not have been new... or all of these YT influencers are full of it!
Jay T. Yeah agreed the xt3 was highly praised and didn’t seem to have same concerns at the time. Philip Bloom’s video did a lot to highlight it and since then it’s made people talk more openly about it. It’s clearly an issue. I’m a stills shooter only really, but like Andrew said, Fuji are pushing video and they need to improve the lenses to keep up and please existing customers who have invested. I always think at their heart Fuji are a stills company and that’s why their cameras are such a joy much like Leica. However they are also great at video now and can only get better. There’s a lot of attention on the R5 and this will push all manufactures to keep up regardless of sensor size.
Hi, Greetings from India, I am thinking to switch from Sony a7iii to fuji xh-1. Sony I feel it's a delicate darling. No ruggedness. 2ndly, have always shot crop sensors befor buying Sony a7iii. (I didnot find fullframe working for me) I need more reach as I m mostly into nature, streets & macro photography. 3rd Sony lenses are out of my budget.. and third party lenses still I don't know they don't work properly I mean after sometime there are issue. Should I go for fuji XH1 or some other brand. Please advice, u confused me... Awaiting yours Kiran Rawal
So true. It completely ruins footage. Just got the X-T4 and find this totally unacceptable. I try to experiment with the AEL but there is no indication of whether it’s on or not. Simply unreliable and adding stress and insecurity to any, particular outdoor, recordings.
Just a thought: God could have easily put a Bayer pattern of cone receptors on my retina, but he chose a random pattern. Hmmmm... Maybe the whole premise that the Xtrans isn’t needed anymore is flawed or not future-proof? And if you think Bayer is an advantage, then why hasn’t natural selection trended towards more organized patterns in our eyes, or in any species’ eyes. Or maybe I’m unaware? Anyway, I think I still have pseudo-Xtrans eyes that convert those bayer digital images for me. 😂
Andrew & Denae, Yes, Xtrans isn’t random. It’s pseudo-random. It’s repetition pattern involves many more pixels than bayer. Xtrans is closer to nature. Our technology can’t yet process a completely random array, but our brains can. (Our brains are also about one million times more energy efficient that the best computers.)
@@swagonman Thats fine. We'll go with your literal definition of psuedo random. And by that definition, Bayer is psuedo random also. They both use repeated mosaic patterns which can be recognized by the brain.
Good points! My xt3 crapped out with the control dial not working correctly, randomly switching between movie mode and S and others randomly. Can't wait to get it back repaired. Its always my secondary camera behind my Canon gear which is built like a tank, and never failed me (Except for my 1dii which is still my favorite camera ever, mirror mechanism denigrated after a million shutter actuations.) Hope fuji listens to your suggestions. Mobile app communication with camera is spotty, I thought it was only my camera.
I actually jumped over from Olympus recently because the x-t4 seemed like the closest analogue: compact, lightweight with decent ibis and weather sealing. Every manufacturer has it's pros and cons, and that's the benefit of choice and competition. Compared to the uncertainty of what long term support I could've expected after the Olympus sale and their track record, Fuji seems to be much more on the ball about market demands. I hate the Sony handling and controls and there always seems to be something keeping me Canon even though I started off with them
Andrew I loved your point on the software aspect and social media sharing. I jumped from Sony to Fuji and I hated the Fuji iPhone app. It worked one time for me. I promptly went back to Sony for several reasons but at least Sony and Panasonic have apps that work when it comes to sharing photos to your iPhone......but if they all could just allow social media uploads!
This is all truth, and I shoot Fujifilm , Canon, and Nikon. Still 100% prefer Fujifilm. To your last point, I remember the Fujifilm v10 (c2006) had an arcade game on it, a foray into the mobile world. Also, Nikon and Samsung both had cameras that had Android for an interface. The main issue was always that all the apps updated to the new OS but the camera would never be able to update. I'm more suprised that Sony/ Nokia didn't end up being a real phone/camera contender.
Hi, I love your channel. Could you comment on the IBIS-related noise problem in the X-T4 and, I guess, also in other Fuji cameras? I just bought a used X-T4 and noticed this noise. In a quiet room, it is audible and is recorded by the internal microphones on the film. I found user statements on DPReview and Reddit that this is normal. Even statements from Fuji support were quoted. Is indeed this noise a normal phenomenon? I haven't seen any review so far that mentions it.
Good critical review, great point on X-trans. Having just added a FF camera to my set, I think FF has a role and is more of an upgrade path in my mind than medium format as it is radically different in so many ways to APS-C (which is still great BTW), without the lenses being gigantic as is often the case on medium format. You’re also 100% right on the importance of customer experience, though my 7 Fuji lenses and x-pro 1 and 2 have been faultless. Hopefully Fuji will up their game with a 100% Japanese X-H2 with GFX quality that links seamlessly to a smartphone.
Good last point. Maybe we ask too much though. Do we need every ‘short cut’, or are we loosing part of the experience. We can’t compare a pro camera with a smartphone. Different beasts for different people. That’s like saying one lens should do everything. Impossible
question: when you convert fuji RAWS to adobe raws, and then edit them in say capture one... does that still create problems? I've been converting them to adobe DNG.. should I keep them as fuji Raws? thanks!
Take a look at the Zeiss ZX1 its a 35mm full-frame camera with integrated lightroom support. It is exactly what you want but I don't know if it will ever be released.
For #5. I just turned in my X-T4 for repair. The LCD screen had a green blob on it while it was on. I did go through the same process as you but they did give me a “ticket” number to check online the status. I didn’t have that same experience. I will get it back this Monday. Took about 2 weeks start to finish.
I’d love prime’s that aren’t loud, but my 16-55 is like the greatest thing ever. It’s amazing for video. I didn’t even know that reliability was a thing? I’ve never had a problem with my xt3 or xt30. I do get the green flicker screen every once in a while but I thought that might be normal, as it doesn’t do anything to the image. And to the point of the camera app, it has come a long way. A LONG Way. Because it used to flat out suck. But over the last 3-6 months there hasn’t been a time where I wasn’t able to connect and download an image quickly. Which brings me to your point of software/social media integration - I’ve had multiple jobs where the client has been downright confused how I got them edited photos so quickly. Personally I think that side of my workflow is pretty solid. All in all I’m stoked with Fuji. The only thing I truly hate, is that we’re still rocking micro HDMI ports.
Hey Andrew ;) Havent 'visited' here in a while.. I would say i agree with all your points..some more than others, naturally.. And the one I agree with the most is the smart-phone-camera-app argument. I think it is completely & utterly pertinent. It's one of those things that I believe we (consumers) probably don't know enough....though..as not a single manufacturer has done it yet.. WHY ?? Cheers from Portugal ;) And thanks for the video! Staying relevant ;)
I have a lot of overlap: Firmware updates for films sims.. However if may not be cheap for fuji to do this. Despite having the same processor and sensor, it may not be as easy to just cut and paste code.. The hardware and wiring have changed for the IBIS, new power, new ports. So I propose having paid updates to feature firmware while keeping the utility firmware and bug fixes free. Yeah I was one of the ones that bitched about the emphasis on video for the XT line… I wrote them a letter even. The Xt is pushed more as a hybrid camera while the xpro is pushed specifically as a stills camera, even removing video features. Its even a bit of miracle that the xpro is what it is as far as a stills camera. I got into the xt line back with he xt2 so I bought into the idea that the XT was just a redesigned xpro. With the xt4, that firmly puts it into the hybrid camera.. more like an xh line. It disappointing because coupled with the above firmware update issue, its a much different camera company than when I first got the xt2. I’m not a video guy but I’m familiar… yeah to commit the XT to be a hybrid camera and not really have video centric lenses is, again, odd to me. the XT3 was released with some cinema fuji lenses, what happened to that? many of the X lenses are photo lenses, not video. Canon released many of their lenses knowing that they will be for hybrid use. i guess I’m lamenting still this hybrid push that fuji is doing now while I was sold on my xt2 and 3 purchases that these were from a film and photo stills shooting company. I use Canon for my pro and hybrid stuff. Fuji was my strictly photographic camera. I REALLY wish the xt4 was released as an xh update and kept the xt line as it was… I mean who uses the dials on the xt line for video? thats strictly a stills thing. most people use the off camera atoms touch screen or the lens to change settings. the Hybrid fuji setup seems like a hodgepodge to me IMHO.
Have you tried Capture One? It's a huge difference working with X-Trans and compared to LR it has several huge advantages (and some disadvantages as well). WRT to full frame: I believe one of the smartest move from Fuji is to stay out of the FF snake pit and go medium format for high quality or stay small. But one thing I hate ist their tendency to mess up the location of the tripod screw mount. It's totally unusable on the X100, X-T30, and X-E3 (close to the battery door, off-axis). On the X-Pro3 it's way too much towards the rear side and when a plate is mounted you cannot flip der screen all way down. The only body, where they have it right is the X-Tx, but with the X-T4 they started to move it to the rear again.
I love Fuji cameras, and have owned them since the X-E1. But I have to agree with your criticisms. Since I got the X-T4, I can't get the Fuji remote app to work at all. It worked somewhat better on my X-T2. Focusing during video still isn't great on the X-T4, either. Question for you. What camera would you recommend for good video and stills photography if not Fuji? I actually loved my Olympus OM-D camera, except for the u4/3 sensor. Would you prefer Sony for a good hybrid camera? Lumix? Just curious.
Imagine if they implemented what he speaks on in True mobile support-part (17:18). - So, that's one XT-5 in the bag with a couple of fast primes. So, mate, how many extra batteries do you want? 50-100? - Nah, I'll be shooting a corporate event all day tomorrow.... better make that 300 batteries, my good sir!
I've always thought.the battery argument was a bit overblown. I can shoot an event on two or three x-t3 batteries or one x-t4 battery and it's not a big deal. Others use the battery grip and it's still a lower total weight than a full frame system. What do you value more? Weight or battery life. But it's just physics. It's not like Fuji can improve that without increasing the size of their bodies.
@@AndrewGoodCamera Yes, it was a joke :) I get by on three batteries a day on my Fuji with constant shooting (with no video recording). But it is still weird to me that we accept that batteries drain this fast. My old Canon could go on for weeks without charging. But that was a much larger camera that could accommodate bigger batteries.
#1) Yes, Fuji should bring version II of their 1.4 lenses, for video and faster focusing (but current version are still usable for stills). #2) Fuji should never come up with Full-Frame what they are doing with GFX is phenomenal, I think not going FF is the best decision they have made. Instead, they should focus on making GFX much more competitive to FF like bringing PDAF, IBIS to GFX 50 series. #3) For X-Trans I am neutral about it ... as long image quality is the same ... (GFX itself is a good example for a non X-Trans sensor) and Fuji can do it ;) #4) I have used Capture One and Lightroom ... Capture one seems to be superior to Lightroom not just for Fuji but for Sony and Nikon as well. I have seen users of Sony and Nikon admitting that raw conversion by Capture One is better. And about worm artifacts ..there are Videos and blogs about minimizing that effect it's actually very simple ..else the user can use Iridient X-transformer. I personally use Capture One ... it's really phenomenal. #5) Yes Fuji should support new film simulations for older cameras, I really like Classic Negative film simulation but no support for older cameras and it doesn't make any sense to buy a new camera body just for Film simulation.
Love your perspective and videos. I have been shooting Fuji X-T series the last three years. I now have the 4. I use LR and don’t have problems with the worms. I don’t over sharpen and then use about 60 in Masking. Learned this from some long time Fuji shooters. I also have the Sony a7R IV that I use for sports and wildlife. I prefer my Fuji files over the Sony. I’m really pleased with the dynamic range of the Fuji files. And call me one of the crazy ones who can see a huge difference in the noise in the Fuji files. I call it sand-like. And so easy to deal with in high ISO images. I came from Nikon and have used most major brands but I’ve never seen noise like Fuji’s. Not sure if it is due to the x-trans sensor or not. I’m new to video. Hoping to use the video features and IBIS in the X-T4 but the lenses can be frustrating. I have found the 23 f2 and 16-80 to be best but fraught with frustration. A frustrating thing is when I use the touch screen for video I loose eye focus. Turn the camera off and back on and it immediately returns. When doing a slow pan the IBIS system makes the image jittery. Hope this all gets improved in a firmware update. So close on video! Thanks for all your content!
Hi Andrew! I've been a big fan of your channel for over a year now because I really respect your opinion and the hard work you put on the videos! I currently have a Fuji xt-100 with the kit lens and, since I'm a student and I don't have much money, I never invested in new glass. I only have some vintage lenses that I actually love to used (btw, your 50mm vintage lenses comparison was awesome!). But after saving up for a while, I seeking for a new camera (which I could make videos with) and some good glass. My questions is, would you think that Fuji is actually a good option, financially speaking? I'm asking this because I usually hear that Fuji glass is cheaper in comparison, but when I compare each lens with the full frame equivalent, it doesn't look cheaper. For example, the Fuji xf 35 f1.4 (converted to ff this would be a 50mm f2) costs 600usd however, a Canon 50mm f1.4 costs 400usd and a Sony 50mm f1.8 costs 250usd. And from these 2 last lenses I do get the a "full frame look". I would really appreciate if you could give me your opinion about this. I do enjoy shooting with Fuji but I would be open to try a new system, even more if it would mean that I could save up money. #StudentLife Thank you so much and cheers from Europe!
No, Fuji lenses are not the cheapest. If you feel you need a large body of lenses to take your creativity to the next level, and you need the cheapest options possible, you'd probably get the best value for dollar with used Canon and third party lenses for EOS.
Andrew & Denae wow, even my gf doesn't answer this quickly! Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I will try to borrow a Canon camera to see if I like it. Thanks again!
That last point is spot on and something I hadn't really considered much. I often will skip taking my bulky DLSR with me because my phone is just easier but also because it is offers instant gratification. You're 100% right, especially when talking about smaller camera bodies that are intended for travel or to keep with you throughout the day. Why can't we take a photo and then easily upload it directly to whichever online service we choose? That would be a huge game-changer as most of my work goes right to FB, Discord or Instagram.
Full frame only bothers me when I am using legacy glass. Nikon Z5 looking pretty good for that right about now. Nikon service is great. Online submission, online updates. I had my D600 back in 3 weeks after dropping it on a hard surface and dislodging the mirror. But when it comes to modern AF primes, color film looks, analog style interface and rangefinder style bodies (left eye shooter) - Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuji.
I’ve just got into mirrorless and haven’t been using the XT20 long enough (only bought it last year) to be a critic. However, what I can say is I absolutely hate using the Fuji app to connect to the camera. It’s like constantly having to find the sweet spot every 2-3 mins...sometimes it’s close and above the hotshoe, but sometimes it’s further away or below the camera ...
Fuji fanboy here. Thanks for a thoughtful and thought provoking video. Fair criticisms mostly, but one nit: Why would Fuji introduce another line of bodies and lenses (that would take years) for full frame? I’d rather Fuji refine their x series lenses for video and transform the GFX medium format line as you suggest. Just my two cents.
Andrew & Denae As a wishlist item, I get it. But the market also initially eschewed digital in the film days, and mirrorless in the DSLR days. Markets evolve, and plenty of professionals shoot Fuji. I’d rather Fuji sink those marketing and R&D dollars into existing lines. Anyway, love your videos. Thanks.
I think that's not a parallel. The market, to me, doesn't show any signs of "coming around" to APS-C. That's a harder fight for FUJI to win, in my mind.
Note one of the complaints about Fuji's video focus is that there are changes on the X-T4 that make it a worse stills camera in some regards than the X-T3. Specifically losing the metering mode switch (regularly used by anybody who spot meters for exposure) for a stills/video switch that will stay stuck on stills for the photographer, as well as losing Fuji's brilliant dual-flip LCD (the best tripod LCD setup on the market for stills use) for a flip/twist implementation that's hated by anyone who regularly uses an L bracket (like pretty much every landscape photographer). it's not so much that Fuji brought out a more video-focused body so much as they did so in the series that is Fuji's best generalist stills body. If the X-T4 had been an X-H2, there would have been far less angst as the X-H series has generally been though of as the 'hybrid' series to the X-Tx and X-Prox line's stills focus.
Amen! As a full time commercial and wedding photographer, I am heavily invested in the canon system but have always had a soft spot for Fujifilm and have owned a few over the years. I currently have an x-t3 and a couple great lenses but your criticisms are spot on and highlight the reasons why I’ve never fully made the switch. The full frame part is the biggest one for me. Fuji has done an okay job making up for it with low distortion lenses but i’m used to the beautiful compression of a full frame sensor. I love medium format film but just don’t think a digital medium format camera would fit my workflow. With the new Canon R5 out, it might be time for me to let go and move on. Thank you Fujifilm (hope you’re listening) for making a camera that feels so good in so many ways.
You bring up some excellent points. I would love to do away with transferring files from my memory card, or connecting to my phone to get my images. Fuji and other camera manufacturers need to have a cloud service that the camera connects to and automatically uploads files from the memory card. It would be great to go out and take a bunch of photos/videos, come home and the camera connects to my home network and automatically uploads my files, then when I sit down at my computer all my files are in the cloud already.
To answer your negatives... 1. Video - I'm not a video photographer, but I fully understand your points. 2. Sensor - I actually use Darktable for all my professional work, and don't really see what people see in Lightroom. Not a fan of Capture One, but really tried to like it. 3 - No full frame, they make the best APS-C and amazing medium format. I think Fuji have captured the market they want to target well. It's hard to compete with Nikon/Canon. 4 - I agree with the film simulations, there's no reason why the can't do updates for all cameras. This is a big shame as you say. Agree with all you say on this. 5 - Durability is fine, although my X-T20 is nothing like my old Nikon's. 6 - Not had dealings with this so can't comment. A great video, and no reason anyone shouldn't take something from it. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from South Africa. Thanks for this Andrew. Love my XT3 and X100, but the complicated and deep menu is my biggest gripe, along with the darn WORM issue in Lightroom. Apart from stills, I also shoot video professionally, the 16-80mm is a step in the right direction, but more video lenses needed as you say. The Canon R5 is going to force all manufacturers to up their game considerably.
I wont lie, Im very interested in the new Nikon mirrorless. If its sensor is anything like the D610's sensor, I'd be very happy. That camera had SO much dynamic range and low noise. Loved it. (Did not love the size and weight though.)
Credibility high. Valuable expert advice to leadership at Fujifilm. Impressive use of techno-media. Aside: Sony has a serious camera division and is an android phone company too, and they haven't tried to go in the suggested direction. And they make the CMOS and X-trans sensors for almost everybody. Makes you wonder.
Love your videos Andrew! Constructive criticism is a good thing, it's free advice from you to Fuji how to improve their products. I agree with you on the video lens issue. No issue for me, as I only shoot stills. That's why I love the STILL/MOVIE switch on my X-T4... Seriously Andrew, are you asking Fuji to change a unique selling point of their X-T line because Adobe makes crappy products? That's like asking BMW to replace the boxer engine in my bike because my favourite mechanic doesn't have the skills to service it. Of course boxer engines are not necessary nowadays, but the better way to deal with that is buying a different bike or telling my favourite mechanic he can no longer work for me if he doesn't know how to service boxer engines. In short: use Capture One for Fujifilm X-T raw conversion. I think Fuji is wise not to jump into the red sea the full frame market is. For most use cases FF does not offer significant benefits over APS-C. For some use cases it does, and if I would have such a use case I would likely skip FF and move to medium format. Fuji is doing great making the GFX-es more competitive with FF camera's. If they continue to improve they will have some real FF killers in my view. Capture One also has the Fuji film simulations, so I assume you can use them with older Fuji bodies from there. If this is not possible because of a Fuji limitation that can easily be overcome I agree with you on this one. I don't have any experience with Fuji support, so I cannot comment on that. How many people that are now happily taking pictures with their smartphones do you think will invest serious money in a Fuji camera and lens setup that is a lot bigger and heavier and can do some of the things their smartphones can do for a long time already? A photo camera is a niche product for people loving the process of photography, and that is not going to change by adding internet connectivity. Furthermore, with internet connectivity come a lot of problems: the camera could get infected with malware making it unusable, or requiring me to pay ransom to get my photo's back.
@@AndrewGoodCamera Unique in that it's different from the competition. Is it better than other sensor types? There are tons of TH-cam video's on that. I think it's very good, certainly good enough for my use cases. So what it does for me: it allowes me to take images I am happy with. No need for change.
Am I the only one with issues about fine tuning focus? Maybe its just the low end XT-100 but i would love having an old school split focus ring for manual focusing. like focus peaking doesn’t necessarily pick up detail or highlights where I want it to and I just can’t judge the sharpness adequately with looking into the evf
I am new to photography and my XT-3 is the first "serious" camera I've ever owned, so I have yet to experience a lot of the negatives you mention - but I trust your judgement. I'm also more of an enthusiast, I really baby my gear, and I knew C1 would be better for me than Lightroom going into my purchase...it helps that I've never used Lightroom, so maybe ignorance is bliss at this point. I also can't really afford to buy a different system as frequently as some seem to do; going to make the best of this for a while. Still, I think this is a great video and exactly the kind of constructive criticism any camera manufacturer needs to improve the user experience.
My biggest gripe with Fuji cameras is the lack of full custom settings banks. I know that the dials and aperture rings don’t make this feel intuitive but every single exposure setting on a Fuji camera can be set by a dial in various modes regardless of that dials actually physical position. I want to be able to save colour profile, focus area, exposure settings and then recall them like canon and Nikon have had for at least 10 years. Even if they just let each drive mode have a independent settings would be a step forward.
In February 2020 I sent my X-T20 to Fuji Canada for service and I had the same experience, had to email them to know the status of my repair, then no news if it was on warranty or not and then an email telling it has been repaired and will be ship. Ask them when, no answer and then an email with a tracking number. And yes I think they outsourced their repair but not 100 % sure
There are few things people are bringing up as arguments against some of my points that I thought were interesting and worth exploring more in the comments.
1. Some are saying Adobe is at fault and THEY are the ones who need to fix their own issues with Xtrans. I don't disagree. I think we can all agree that Adobe having a better demosaicing would be wonderful. However, they can't/won't. So it doesn't matter. In the meantime, Fuji users who use Adobe products (and there are more than a few, obviously) are the ones that suffer. Moreover, what purpose is Xtrans serving in 2020?
2. Many don't like my suggestion that Fuji should enter the FF game, saying that it is over saturated and that it would be market suicide for Fuji to enter. Maybe. But on the other hand, I see concourses of people switching from Sony/Canon to take advantage of the features that the X-T line offers. They are not making that switch because it's APS-C. The fact that it's APS-C is a concession, not a benefit. These people would switch regardless. And if Fuji had a FF body that had a crop mode to support their APS-C lenses, they wouldn't need to increase the size of the body (see the size of the Sony bodies which are nearly the same size as Fuji's).
3. Samsung and Yonguo's failures to create smartphone like features/menus in a camera don't necessarily mean that the idea is bad and would never work. Consider _who_ it was who experimented there and how they did it. We've never seen a Canon, Sony, Nikon, or FUJI attempt it and attempt it well. Until we do, I don't think we can say the idea has no merit. And in the meantime, younger shooters have more reasons not to move over, when they can do more things they want to do socially with their iPhones. And for those who hate this idea, the UI purists: asking Fuji to live in the past will not help Fuji survive in the future.
4. Some say hardware restrictions are why FUJI does not update color profiles. That might explain it in a very few select cases, maybe. But it can't explain it in every case (for example, the x-t200 shipping without Eterna). And it's more than just that. Why limit the use of those profiles in third party editors, for instance? Thus bypassing any hardware issue, if that is indeed the reason for not allowing backward compatibility.
As it pertains to #1, I actually disagree. If Lightroom and ACR can work with 99.99% of the camera sensors out there, but shows problems with one particular sensor, it’s the sensor manufacturer’s fault. Not Adobe.
It's not 99%. But again, doesn't matter. If Adobe won't do it, Fuji is smaller and needs to serve its users and make a change. Extreme ownership.
I just turn off the sharpening in Lightroom. For less critical shoots, I just use JPG in Lightroom.
But when I forget, it's horrible. Particularly when I use the skin smoothing plugin in Photoshop.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. Would be nice if you could find a way to discuss this point with Fuji representatives. As an engineer I see some technical limitations however Fuji has to respect customer needs and make thing possible to keep on track. The same for Adobe - they have a lot of room for improvements.
You must blame Adobe, not Xtrans. "1 thing I hate about Adobe -- they don't properly support xtrans files 10 years after release".
As I said in the video, it'd be GREAT if Adobe did a better job of supporting Xtrans (although it appears that they have really tried but just aren't able). But regardless, Xtrans is no longer relevant and needs to go away. It's only hurting FUJI by making it difficult for ALL RAW editors. Blame Adobe if you want. But my question for you is what is FUJI getting out of Xtrans today in 2020 that makes it worth the pain it is for their customers to use RAW editors as they expect to?
@@AndrewGoodCamera But it's only Adobe... I had no issues with any other RAW editor, it can't be that hard when even Apple's build-in engine does a far better job. I'd already be happy if I had the LR option to simply use the OS's RAW engine for Fuji files instead. :(
It doesn't matter. Adobe is the biggest and they won't/can't support Xtrans, so Fuji needs to serve its users and move on from Xtrans, which is not helping anyone in 2020.
@@AndrewGoodCamera I would've disagreed if we'd still be talking about my 16MP bodies, but nowadays you're probably right. Still just increases my Adobe hate. :D BTW - how are they doing with Sigma Foveon files?
@@chrissoclone To be fair, its absolutely not just adobe that has issues with the x-trans array. ALL raw processors do not handle it well. Even the "better" ones struggle with fine detail, anti-aliasing sharp lines or small patterns, and just noise in general. Adobe handles in the worst by far, however with enhance details it ranks as one of the best (but with an annoying and time consuming extra step and additional files). Dark Table and Capture One are also good, but they still struggle with lines and patterns and proper sharpening. X-transformer imo handles it the best but its still just not as good as any competing bayer sensor. Even fujifilms own x-t100 and x-t200 take significantly more detailed images than their higher end cameras entirely due to the bayer array not struggling with fine details. You cant win with x-trans. Its so frustrating as well because they cripple the functionality of their bayer cameras (lack of video features, no compressed raw support, slower processing, less film sims, etc. etc.). A lot of people have this idea that x-trans is better for some reason, so they should keep that around in one of the camera lines for those people. But i wish so badly that they would take one of the nicer camera lines and make it bayer (x-e4 maybe, fuji you listening? please?)
Not “negative” at all. Fair points and I hope they copy paste them into their improvements strategy ! Very well made. Thanks
Sadly, all your points are spot on.
I love my Fuji lenses (16mm is amazing. 80mm macro is awesome).
I love the manual controls on their camera bodies.
I love the smaller dimensions and design of them.
I love the images I get out of them.
However...
I don't love the overall build quality.
I don't love the repair experience, when their build quality lets you down.
I don't love them limiting film simulation updates on older cameras.
I don't love the image transfer experience.
I'd never completely ditch Fuji (I love my X100 series cameras), but it becomes harder and harder to justify expanding/upgrading my system (XT2) any further, when other manufacturers are starting to make some pretty compelling options in the mirrorless arena. I find myself at least "considering" brands I never would have before, all because of what I don't love about Fuji.
Re: #3, I’ve seen job listings that won’t hire you unless you have a full frame camera... This thinking is just really antiquated IMO. Not saying it wouldn’t be cool to see a Fuji FF, but I think that the bias towards FF and bigger cameras being “more professional” is what needs to change most. (I’ve owned and shot many years with both FF and APS-C btw)
I don't disagree at all. But, you know, why not have both? A world that embraces APS-C for pro work, and a full frame Fuji offering?
Would be funny if you then showed up with a GFX and they'd be like, "Nope, not full frame."
Pre-COVID, I shot for several publications, and frankly I was never asked as to what system I used, frankly they did not care. However, I do recall back in the 80s, interviewing for staff photog positions around the country, and some prospective employers would ask, ”Do you shoot Nikon and if not, are you comfortable and familiar with Nikon gear?”. Well, I was a Canon shooter in a Nikon world back then, and I lied through my teeth to get the job(s). By day I was a Nikon shooter, at home it was all Canon. Anywho, I too have seen some of those postings, but they seem to be low paying contract gigs, looking for photogs to shoot apartments, cars, that sort of thing. I believe that many Nat Geo shooters prefer APS rigs. This is where I respectfully disagree with Andrew. For Fuji to enter the FF realm and go up against the Nikon, Canon, Sony monsters, could be suicidal. Camera sales are falling off a cliff, even Fuji. What is saving them unlike the others are their non-photographic departments, particularly the medical devices. No, Fuji owns APS and seemingly MF as well, stick with what they are good at.
Technically fuji x series is actually full frame because the lenses don't actually crop they actually cover the entire sensor, Just saying if you really wanted to be really obtuse to people about it. And if your really wanted to be horrible you could argue that "full frame" is a crop ( well it is )
cameraman655 yep, nailed it. Now if only Fuji would release some serious wildlife lenses... not that I could afford them 😭😭
I’m afraid Sony, Panasonic, Canon and Nikon can smell blood. Once they start producing really cheap FF bodies, and that’s coming sooner than you think, Fuji’s APS-C venture will be in real big trouble.
As always, great video!
I disagree. They are sticking to an avenue that they're winning in because of what they are doing. As mentioned, the huge investment required for R&D to create a whole new line of lenses as well as full frame bodies would pretty much wipe them out completely and then their APS-C products would also suffer in the process. Updates and invocations for that line would then take a huge hit and disrupt their loyal fanbase and the potential to loose customers would be very high. The APS-C range they offer currently give people 90% of what they need with a huge array of features for nowhere near the price of a full frame kit. Why would I pay nearly 4K for the new sony A7SIII, when I can get a more compact APS-C XT-4 with 90% of the features, for 1.5K?! That doesn't even bring in the increased price for the lenses as well. Makes no sense. If you really want "full frame" which is really just gaining coverage from it initial foundation then maybe fuji isn't for you, if your not fussed on the GFX line. I don't me you specifically either, just a new buyer.
big trouble in that they are all financially falling off a cliff? You know what they say about buying cheap.
I think they won't be in trouble if they update their lenses. Some of them are old and the new 16-80 isn't really a winner.
The new Nikon Z lenses are one step ahead ...
Fuji should have higher sales margins, their prices are at Nikon Z6 and Sony A7III level at the moment for the X-T4. As long as people buy Fuji gear for that money I see no problem in financial terms.
@@patrick.991 I wasn't talking about fuji. The statement was fuji will be big trouble by cheap FF. The companies releasing these cheap FF are currently falling off a cliff financially.
@@lefthandright01 I know. I answered to the original comment ;) Understand your point.
i can’t stand lightroom and have been loving capture one.
Some old dogs can't learn new tricks and keep using crappy Adobe software, and they blame Fujifilm's sensor choice!
It's not always that simple. I have a full time job that pays for the Adobe suite. Many others in similar situations. Adobe is pretty much the standard in the creative services industry.
Andrew & Denae i don’t see an issue with having both. i pay for both for the same reason.
@@AndrewGoodCamera perpetual license of capture one for Fujifilm is not expensive at all.
Still missing the point. 90% of people are using Adobe for a reason, and it's more than just paying for another piece of software that I don't want to pay for. Most of the creative industry lives in Adobe. It's silly for FUJI to push against the grain. Adobe is clearly not going to support Xtrans properly, though of course, we all wish they would. But the result is a strong reason for consumers to jump ship. Over what? What is Xtrans getting FUJI in 2020?
10:10 When Leica started, people with Leicas were considered aficionados because "real photographers only use Large Format". True story.
Photographer snobs have been around since the 1800s :)
That's still true today. If you want to shoot landscapes or architecture for an art exhibition, 4x5 or 8x10 will get you taken seriously. So you may not be making the point you think you're making :)
@@SivertAlmvik yep, and at that tile "real artists" were only painters and used photos only as a cheap naked ladies models substitutes :-P
Really great points Andrew, and while I do agree on the last point you made, I think one of the main issues with having an "Android OS" camera (to run Instagram and so on), that would significantly decrease the shelf-life of these cameras to a level that is similar to that of a smart phone (about say 2 years). The update cycle and hardware requirements on smartphones move a bit too quickly, and the risk is that you end up with a camera that a few years after its release can no longer work as intended (because the Instagram app update doesn't support the older OS version, the older app version talks to a deprecated API, etc.)
This is absolutely a choice these manufacturers will have to make, to start seeing their products as ephemeral instead of eternal, but at the same time is goes a bit too much against their culture...
Fair point
@@AndrewGoodCamera even if they are hardware manufacturer , more so , making hardware/firmware is much more harder/difficult than making software ( i am a software dev).you arleady have bluetooth on fuji so ... just pair it with android app/ios app , and let the app do the download/searching/browsing etc...
@vadergrd that sounds wonderful in theory. In practice, it's crap. See the reviews on the apps. Connectivity is shoddy. Cross-device support is lacking. It's a mess. And beyond that, it's not an easy process to even setup. I brought up my sister and my wife in the video, and they are the users I'm talking about. It's just easier to pull out the phone and take the photo. Until it's that easy to share from a camera, the phone will continue to win when it comes to casual image-taking. And to me, that's a shame.
That's quite an idea about the software being in the camera. Every time I think of opening the Fuji App, this fills me with dread. It's such a bad experience, probably taking longer to get that to connect that it would have been to just remove the card and do it the old way.
Agree. And so I invariably do it the old way.
@@chinwengkeong Me as well. I got a cable (or adapter?) where I can plug the card into a reader, which plugs directly into my iphone. So I can transfer photos on the fly reasonably fast (primarily JPEGs). And its actually faster than the app!
That mobile app is indeed horrible, however I wouldn't want to see "apps" or software within camera - I'd prefer it to stay as simple and stable as possible. More features, and app-like features come with increased complexity and a camera needs to be stable first of all. I prefer splitting the functionality - camera to stay the camera, and my workstation to do the work on the photos.
That being said - even the current menu on the X-T3 feels like it was somehow stitched together and organically growing instead of being properly developed. Some menu items use slightly different fonts, some text appears as icons or graphics instead of text. But at least it's fast and somewhat logical. Just wish they reworked the way X cameras connect to mobile and PC, it's really counter-intuitive.
Ha! So true, the app is frustrating.
It is still insane to me that Adobe charges $120 a year for Lightroom and can't implement a VNG or other demosaicing algorithm that can be found in FOSS (Darktable). I'm still a Canon shooter, so it's not an issue that would affect me, but it reinforces my initial decision to use Darktable as my editing software of choice.
Andrew, what you said it’s exactly how I feel. I am an ex Sony shooter and I switched back to Fuji after 4 years of jumping ships, I love their colors I love the vintage look of their cameras. I love the feel and the soul, but there so many rotten corners that I can barely live with, But I never knew about the customer support ...tho I am kind of forged in the hell fires of Sony’s which used to be the worse of all. Anyway, good video that should tell others that you are not a fan boy, but a creator and photographer, no matter the gear or brand.
One thing I can comment on regarding your desire for integration of social media apps: These cameras use processors called ASIC's, which stands for Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. These are specialized CPU's designed for doing very very specific tasks well. They run software basically on the "bare metal", and the firmware is there only to communicate with the camera and it's parts. For instance, the camera would have a built in hardware encoder for H.264/5 files, a mode to do Analog-to-Digital conversions as efficiently as possible, a mode to run exposure calculations and one more to run the autofocus algorithm which relies on the others completing their tasks efficiently. Denoising is another one that takes a good amount of processing power, and Fuji has film sims on top of that.
Running an operating system on them as complex as Android would probably take a ton of horsepower (I mean on a modern smartphone it still does) however being able to post/share pictures easily should be possible with a barebones app. Your point still stands: Phone cameras are able to do a ton of work through computational photography and also have robust autofocus and video capabilities, so why can't they do such a thing in dedicated enthusiast/prosumer cameras? Stability, most likely and software + OS licensing costs.
In reality I don't know how much more expensive it would be if cameras had processors like top-end smartphones, or even mid range ones with the ability to do all this since cameras on smartphones have been doing this for ages. None of the processors used in cameras have declared many of their specs besides names. No clock speeds, power draws, process nodes, etc. It's possible they are using some cheaply built processors with budget silicon just "good enough" to do the job.
I wonder if it might be possible for Fuji to publish an API and make it available to Android and ios developers so that third parties could create their own apps to interface with Fuji cameras -- apps like Halide or Procamera, for example -- that provide a great user experience. That experience would still be on a smartphone, but it still allows for a lot of innovation.
Pretty much agree with all you said, bar possibly one thing: I don’t think the older cameras have be hardware to support newer film simulations. From what I remember, things like Acros and Classic Negative require some fairly heavy number crunching or specialised processing circuitry. I don’t know this for sure, so it might be nonsense.
That said, I can’t see any reason Capture One or Lightroom don’t let me use e.g. Classic Negative on my X-T2 raw files.
Sometimes it is less that there is not enough power in a system, but just the program is not written for an older systems. So they don't go out their way to rewrite it.
With Acros that was true, due to the way that it distributed grain according to light levels etc, and they explained that when Acros was launched with the first X-Trans 3 cameras. I’m not seeing that with anything later though. Eterna, Classic Neg are just colour profiles surely, even Fuji don’t really claim there’s anything else going on there.
Lmao same sensor for the xt3 or xt4. It's intentional no doubt
Sadly, I have to agree with you 100%. I say sadly, because I have invested heavily into the Fuji X system, but all of your points are spot on. Let's hope that Fuji-san watches this video and takes some steps to react positively and address the points you mentioned. Well done Andrew.
Totally agree with most of this, especially their value/lut philosophy and customer support.
On the full frame market i strongly disagree, Fuji is known for excellent small glass and retro style cameras. Everyone wanting to step up resolution can go GFX, everyone wanting more speed can opt for other manufacturers. Fuji spreading their development of lenses/software/hardware on even more sensors not only damages all the current lineup, but also their brand identity. I also wish for a small and fast GFX for the future competing with the likes of a X1D and attracting pro photographers, but following the small premium tactile philosophy Fuji is so far ahead in compared to other manufacturers.
Fair point.
Fuji lens are the most frustrated aspect point in the x ecosystem, fuji need to remake f1.4 line up, make it autofocus faster, and better finding focus point in low light
And the gfx system has slow lenses, we can argue they are studio lenses but with the ibis on the gfx100 and the huge portability of the system compared with hassi/phase one, is stupid that my 63mm. 45mm are just 2.8 and not 2.0 or 1.7. If they want to move people from FF to MF, they need to give FF shooters better or equivalent tools.
@@RaistlinMaj You do know, that those f-numbers do not compare 1:1 between different sensor sizes? A GF63 f2.8 would be about a 50 f2.0 on a 35mm camera
That being said that "old, slow, crappy" 35/1.4 remains to be my absolute favorite lens.
@@bpetrikovics yessss, even 35mm f1.4 sometimes so slow when finding focus in low light it's still go to lens for me, there's something about the lens😀😀
A couple of comments:
1. X-trans sensor - I will continue to use LR/Photoshop so as a matter of process I batch Fuji RAW files through Iridient X-trans to DNG files and dump the original RAWs. I think it is only for green things (foliage) that it makes any significant difference, but that beats paying for and learning Capture One (or whatever) for some minor improvement!
2. Regarding Full-frame, this reminded me of a DPreview article I read today. I put a quote below, but essentially it says that the magnificent camera producers of Japan have in fact, for the past couple of decades, been just smashing each other with technology improvements, rather than taking a wider view and recognising competiive forces like smart phones. I think for Fuji to go FF would be just more of that - better for them to make a much lower price version of the GFX (and reasonably priced lenses) for us poor enthusiasts and thereby leap-frog the over-stuffed full frame market.
QUOTE:
"More fundamentally, Masamichi [Olympus chief designer] believes the camera industry itself is to blame, as ‘excessive competition’ has created a fast-moving, unsustainable market that will inevitably lead to camera manufacturers paying the ultimate price:
‘Smartphones are not the only reason Japanese camera makers, who had established an oligopoly nearly everywhere around the world, have come to this point. Japanese industry, which has a penchant for competing against its own products, can also blame itself.’
Masamichi references an unsourced quote he says was shared 11 years ago by Hiroshi Hamada, the former Chief Operating Officer of Hoya, who had acquired Pentax around the time of his tenure:
‘Digital camera companies intend to strangle their rivals through excessive competition, but in the end they’ll strangle themselves’"
UNQUOTE
3. Putting image development software in the camera-body....dunno, sounds redundant. I shoot RAW, but I understand you can adjust JPEG settings quite finely BEFORE taking the shot, then upload to whatever instant gratification social vortex. I cannot imagine massaging tones and colours on a tiny screen in the sun to improve on what the camera JPEG software can achieve.
Personally, having used INSTAGRAM briefly (and being one of the 5% wedded to FLIKR - yes, LOTS of RUBBISH posted there - and SmugMug), I think Smart phones are preferred for that service - kind of a waste of investment in proper camera/lenses to end up with a small JPEG file on Instagram.
Andrew, this was another great video which stimulated lots of thoughts (at least for me!).
PS: different subject - a year+ ago I picked up a cheap X-T1 which I have grown to admire greatly (versus X-T30, departed Leica Q2, etc.). Back at that time I recall you mentioning in one of your videos that you had a special need/interest/passion for this first of the X-trans II bodies. Anything come of that? Just for interest sake.
John from Melbourne
I think they still see the problem in competition from other photo camera manufacturers, not smartphones. The fast pace of innovation eating their margins etc. I think there are 3 fundamental strategies how to beat that, either provide do much quality that smartphones cannot compare (ff, dynamic range - Sony etc), provide great old fashion camera sitting experience (Fuji) and beat phones on their own field (Android, built in photo editor, easy sharing - 4g, gps, excellent automatic mode with manual possible, better photo quality and ergonomics). Manufacturers need to find their niche, because there market is shrinking. 15 years ago anybody who wanted to sit had to buy camera, now you have to have reasons why not to just use smartphone. 90% people just want to take picture that looks decent and post it to social media. Both Pentax and Olympus didn't understand, Oly is out of game already and Pentax will follow soon.
@@fotovojta7983 Are phones really a threat to the camera industry? Perhaps camera companies need to start producing gear for photographers and not snap-shooters. That includes adequately sized, reasonably priced UHD displays, which would actually allow us to see what our cameras are capable of. Because all these folks with little 27" screens (at best, many use 15" laptops) who are desperately preaching stuff like "cameras don't matter" or "sensor size makes no difference", don't know what they are talking about. It's madness. It's like producing cars that can go 1000MPH, but there are no roads for such speeds.
Camera companies still have a few cards up their sleeves. They can stop the intentional camera crippling (what they call "segmentation"). There's no objective reason why a $2000 camera should have a worse EVF than a $3500 camera, other than making people suffer and want a better EVF. Also they can start producing 16-bit sensors. Which would make any current 14-bit camera significantly inferior and boost the new camera sales. And then they could up their game by replacing the crop systems with FF and replacing the FF with Medium Format. Which isn't really as terrifying as it sounds, because most FF lenses (Canon RF, Nikon Z) can already cover the whole 44x33 chip (well, maybe except Sony with their little E mount). People are having a lot of fun with adapting fast FF lenses to the GFX. Because size matters. Huge, ultra-high definition pictures are so much more fascinating, than little snapshots. And no phone can ever touch it.
Your first and second points are ... on point. Sure, I know the worming problem, but do I care? Or do I see them when I look at an image on instagram or on a web page or small print? No. Perhaps if I were to print them larger than A4, then yes. But then I would change to the free version of CaptureOne Express, and export it from there. A workaround? Yes, but I seldom print that large.
I get where the camera manufacturers come from: the want you to buy their new shit which is all fantastic because it has more X than the older versions and their competitors. I don't care for the "spec warz". Sure, it was fun back in the early 2000s when I worked at a camera store. It doesn't matter anymore. Megapixels? They don't matter anymore, and who goes around remembering that number on a daily basis? I don't. We got enough. Focus points? I don't know what they do, and why they are so many (and I don't care).
Lately I've been experimenting with film recipes on my XT-2, and it's been a blast. I shoot both raw and JPG, but now I seldom touch the raw file. I just import it into Lightroom and back it up several places. The JPGs come out so good I don't have to do anything with them. I just upload them to Instagram or any other sharing services. I do that all from my phone. I want more of that. Give me features that lets me get more creative. Give me more of that. It was why I initially chose to change to the fuji X-system in the first place.
I wanna ask you as experienced Fuji user. Recently I bought X-T3, and it didn't turn on with SD card inside. In order to turn on I forced to remove and insert battery. I checked both slots. Then I tried to insert SD card into operating camera (since it didn't turn on with SD card), it shuts down (as it should) but didn't turn on. So I tried each way. Called Fuji hotlines, both was on auto-response, both said they'll call me back but they didn't. Then I called store where I bought, they took camera for diagnostics (it was july 24th) and leaved until Monday when general manager should arrive. Store employee tweaked some settings and it worked properly for a moment, but when I turned off and put second SD card, it didn't turned on again. Today they called and said that they didn't find any malfunction with camera, general manager spoke with me about that (with a slight arrogant tone, implying that I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to put SD cards in camera). So I have no idea what to do. Maybe really I did something wrong, but really, I only tweaked settings for manual vintage lens I bought, turned off all sounds, attached protective screen and then was about to take some test shots. Laws in my country pretty bs regarding "complex tech" and if there's no failure I can't legally claim a replacement or anything. I'll test my camera tomorrow in store for sure, but considering that I collected money for almost two years for this camera, this is a pretty painful experience. I also contacted Fujifilm itself, department from my country and Tokyo headquarters, dunno if they'll answer at all, but I'll hope for the best. So, I'll be very grateful for any of your comment on this situation, I mean, about probable issues with SD cards etc. Yeah, SD cards was pretty normal, SanDisk and Sony, not some third party shady stuff.
That sounds like a horror story. This is the first I've ever heard of someone encountering that particular issue. Clearly a defective unit. I hope you're able to get a replacement.
@@AndrewGoodCamera it was faulty SD card, can you believe that? Manager took another x-t3 and it didn't turn on with that card inside. Never I thought that simple SD card could cause such an issue.
(since that card worked perfectly in other devices I didn't thought about possible card failure, but the most strange thing is that this faulty card is still works fine in my old Nikon, PC and other tech)
I like the X-Trans, but I don't really edit my photos. I remember my X-E2 out performing my old A7II for detail, being one of the reasons that I switched to Fujifilm. My prints were exponentially better.
I like that they skip FF, this way I can use aps-c, which I prefer 90% of the time, and it have focus and intent in its development. I wanted to get into Canon M originally, but they didn't support it. I don't have a lot of interest in FF, the lenses are too big, heavy, and expensive for the minor advantages that FF brings. I take more photos now, because of the aps-c experience, and to me that's what it's important.
Triggered tantrum over. ✌️ 😉
XE2 outperform A7II? How? I was a XE2 owner. How can a fullframe sensor lose? Can you explain?
@@kreimsnta resolving detail for print. The 24mp full frame on the Sony doesn't have the same perceptual detail as the 16mp X-Trans in my printed examples. Also, the colour noise (even as low as iso 800) present on the Sony sensor when even slightly underexposed is incredibly distracting compared to the Fujifilm files. Eventually, I switched to the X-T2 from the Sony, and it's like they're not even playing the same game. My old A7II felt like it was minumum 5 years older than the X-T2. And I felt really embarrassed for buying into the "snake oil" of FF for the sake of FF. There are definitely terrible FF cameras out there. Right now, anyone promising you anything more than more DoF at the equivalent focal length, and aperture, or bigger pixels at the equivalent mp value, is telling you fairy tales. Even DR is not enough of a gap between sensor size anymore.
I'm not a brand loyalist or anything. Honestly I'd have Canon M if they had more than 2 lenses.
のぢGrey I sold my Canon eos 6d fullframe because my Fuji xt2 photos look better. Fuji have Better dynamic range compared to most Canon fullsensor cameras. The Only advantage the fullsensor eos 6d had was the shallow dept of field when wanting it. Some people speaks About That the fullsensor cameras let in so much more light compared to aps c. About 2 stops. Not true. I made a comparison between Canon eos 6d and my Fuji xt 2. Same iso and same F stop. Lense on Canon 50mm and Fuji 35 mm so equivalent lense. Maximum 0.5 stop difference. Sorry for Long post and bad english. Cheers
@@gunnarblomquist4412 this is accurate to my experience also. Aps-c takes in less light, but it is usually correctly compensated by iso gain power. This is why aps-c has more noise than full frame, but with newer sensors and technology gain noise is becoming irrelevant. There are new m4/3 panasonic cameras that can come close to or beat older FF cameras for noise performance.
Also, if I want more bokeh, I just put on a longer lens and step back. Usually bokeh is for portraits, when I can move myself and the subject if necessary. ✌️ 😉
のぢGrey yes i agree. I think the difference is more noise At higher iso with the aps c compared to fullframe. With my Fuji i rarely shoot higher than 1200 iso so i see no problem with my photos. If i shoot landscape in early morning or evening i use tripod anyway and shoot base iso.
This is an Interesting pro photographer comparing Fuji xt3 with Nikon Z7 and the mediumformat Fuji gfx50r for big Prints:
th-cam.com/video/zZNr24yVD9s/w-d-xo.html&feature=share
The unfair thing is that he has a Fixed lense on the Fuji Gfx 50r. Zoom lense on the other to cameras. The Fixed lense has a better sharpness at the corners. He also prints superbig and comparing.
He says from normal viewing distance there is not a big difference in detail in the photos. Only when Looking very close you see difference in the details.
17:18 #6: True mobile support
Why are cameras not like phones?
Battery life, maybe? Space restrictions?
Not only do cameras have tiny batteries compared to smartphones, you also don't have to charge the camera every day.
You want phone-app features in your camera, prepare for a way bigger battery.
And by bigger, I mean goodbye to the small pocket size Fuji camera of today.
Unless you want to charge it every 5 min, editing your raw files on a tiny 3" screen.
You put your camera in your bag, and when you a week later want to take a picture, you just take it out of your bag and turn it on.
Try doing that with your smartphone. You can if you shut down your phone, but then, how long will it take before you can take a picture?
You want Android in your camera?
Every time you shut your camera off or take the battery out, you will have to wait min. 2 min for it to boot up again?
Direct connectivity to websites? Prepare for a new subscription-based ISP hell.
You are ready to pay for that? And where will you put the sim-card? Will you give up a card-slot for it?
As a photographic tool, modern cameras are actually small electronic marvels at what they are built for.
Completely agree with you. All the people who want to instantly share their photos take then on their phones anyway. Instagram in camera would be such a gimmick and when you think about it, make the UI even worse.
Afterall guys, newest phones still have NFC use that to get whatever picture you want into your phone edit it in lighroom or whatever and post it. I can bet it would be faster than with an IG enabled camera.
It's good for such dedicated Fuji users to be honest about their complaints. There's no other way for Fuji to know and address these issues if loving users don't tell them about it. Thank you, Andrew. Hopefully, Fuji listens to you and Fuji users alike and continues to ignore the haters.
I agree with you for the most part. Though, personally, for a few reasons, I have no desire for Fuji to enter the Full-frame market. I also would absolutely hate a camera that was connected directly to any social media platforms. I use a SD card reader that plugs into my phone -- I can import Raw files directly to my camera roll, or even directly into Lightroom Mobile. It's much faster than using the camera's wifi connection.
Like many, I do really hope Fuji comes out with a swath of new primes. Perhaps all F1 primes, with weather sealing, and their faster, quieter, linear focusing motors. I also have been horribly frustrated by the quality control of my XH1 (not to mention the body design). I had to send it in just a month or two after purchasing because the ISO dial got stuck to the drive dial beneath it so that both dials turned simultaneously. I've also had an issue with 2 different XH1's that their electronic connection to the lens will short out so that the camera doesn't know there's even a lens attached. You have to remove the lens and put it back on to get back the connection. Fuji does not seem to know why this happens. Also, while shooting video with the battery grip attached to the XH1, the video will cut when a battery dies. WHAT THE HECK. What is the point of the grip if I still have to babysit my camera and make sure that I'm not shooting anything important when my battery starts to get low? Absolutely unacceptable.
ps, I do love Fujifilm.
The best argument for updating picture profiles in older units is making them more desirable on the used market.
If you can't sell your XT3 to buy and XT4 what's the point?
As for FF, Make a L mount with a GFX-L adaptor so people can share glass between the systems.
Good points!
In 2013 I bought my first mirrorless camera, a Samsung NX300. Since day 1 I could take a picture or video and post it on Facebook or TH-cam. I still don't know why in 2020 I can't do a simple task like that (and more) with my Fuji.
Impeccable timing. Thanks for posting this, Andrew. I just listed my Fuji gear today because I'm stepping into a FF camera system. It's come down to skin tone and texture on the X-trans sensor. These cameras are incredible, but I share you perspective on what needs to improve to keep their customer base. I'm just starting out my freelance journey in the wake of this COVID situation in FL, and I'm determined to create a consistent look for my clients more than remain brand loyal atm. Thanks again for sharing!
The rant at the end about the failure of camera companies to integrate with phones and mobile posting to social media was completely justified.
My wish list:
*** deeper grip and make use of it for the battery compartment - probably in an X-H2
*** mode dial and user specific modes U1, U2, U3 for all settings including e.g. white balance, iso, shutter speed (flash photography), probably in an X-H2, as
X-T and X-Pro series will keep dedicated dials for shutterspeed and iso. Why not use a mode dial on the X-H2?
*** all those film simulations to be uploaded into the camera. Have a look at Nikon or especially Canon, where I can find hundred of profiles online
or even create a profile myself and load up to 3 different "alien" profiles into my camera
The BIGGEST issue to me is your last, regarding the software and ease of sharing. I hate when friends/family hand me their phone if they see I'm readying to take a pic they want, so they can share their shot instantly, knowing mine won't get out fast enough. Honestly, it almost negates the reason I'm taking that pic in the first place and at times deters me from shooting. However, as I tune my JPG profiles and Lightroom Mobile, I'm getting faster!
Rather agreed there. Plus, I'd very much like to know why people actually think they *need* to instantly share photos of their kids or family the second they take it. Makes no sense to me at all. I'd rather camera companies improve other aspects of their system and leave the post-processing/sharing to other platforms that are more suited to it. (Plus, all of those features cost money, and I'd rather not pay for features I won't use anyway.)
@Denis. May not make sense to you, but it's what the majority of people wish do with the photos they take. And even if they don't want to do it MOST of the time, even if it's occasionally thatif they have to put down their camera and pick up their phone, that's a problem for FUJI.
Install the app on your phone and turn on autodownload. The app will download all your jpegs automatically every time you turn the camera off.
@@apricanephoto people need to instantly share pictures because they are addicted to Instagram, they need instant gratification from likes and comments. They should seek help, not a camera/smartphone hybrid that encourages this type of harmful behavior.
@@rodsilva80 More or less what I was going for there... I'm glad at least one person agrees with me!
I'm experiencing some "camera blackouts"... a few black frames if snap zooming out with auto-aperture. Fuji rep says it's the photometry sensitivity, but there's nowhere to adjust that for video specifically. Maybe Still setting will do it for both.. If that's not the case, or the fix, I'm afraid to send this in for a look as I need it again to shoot in a week. I was actually going to ship it today too... thanks for the heads up on likely delays.
You hit the nail on the head on the connectivity issue. All camera makers are increasing catering to a shrinking “pro” market where they argue about things like 4k120 vs HD and overheating. If you want to sell more cameras, that’s a sure fire way to fail. The real growth has to come from consumers, and that is: small body, very usable anti shaking and autofocus, enough zoom range and most importantly: immediate connectivity to the internet. And no: that does not mean image.Canon. That means TH-cam and Tiktok. And honestly, photography only is dying. Video is the future and present. And this “fix it in post”, LUT table, gosh, and you wonder why camera companies are failing? LOL, you want consumers to deal with these kind of BS? Also, all the audio qualities are shit, and then TH-cam channels tell people to buy these impossibly hard to use gadgets to improve quality. Which consumer’s gonna do that? Seriously, classic folly.
In that case, we need more 1" devices, with good mics and Ultra Wide Lens.
Super interesting that you’ve had reliability issues. I’ve had an xt1 since release and it has kicked around in the bottom of backpacks and in glove boxes, been rained on and has gone all around North America and Central America through rain, blizzard, dust storms, and has never malfunctioned or even needed to be serviced. I mean at this point the paint is so chipped off it looks like a camo pattern. What are you doing to your cameras that is causing them to fail?
Canadian here. I was living in Hawaii last year and my lens broke. I had to ship it out to the New Jersey Fuji headquarters to get it fixed. It took almost 6 weeks for it to fix.
I agree with everything you touched on.
I started shooting Fuji (coming from Nikon film and crop DSLR bodies with FF glass) back in the beginning stages of X-trans for;
a) the classic ergonomics and the rangefinder style, both I have been missing for a couple decades.
b) the 16mp X-Trans array and how THAT particular output had a film grain structure that was different from any other digital output I tried and more appealing to me.
c) the camera support (kaizen), and how my cameras and lenses are "re-newed" constantly and at no additional cost.
Since then, I have upgraded to new models and have a bunch of XF glass and third party glass, I've even adapted old F mount lenses, but as resolution increased and features added to give more, I being a long time Lr user have been increasingly frustrated with the workflow to offset the effects of the X-Trans array for paid work or personal projects. I don't know why Adobe and Fuji can not address this.
I have recently started looking at Nikon again and want to get into FF and use all those F mount lenses to its full capability. I trust the bayer sensor to do the job. Looking at past images shot on [for example] my D200, I am impressed how back then my images rendered.
Jumping the Fuji ship and getting a D850 is looking very attractive to me for hard core image quality and work. I am not 100% sold on the Z system yet, but I already have a head start on F mount so any FF Nikon is probably my next step.
IQ is a major thing for me, I could care less about video and I do eventually want a GFX50R for this portraits and back country landscapes but that's not affordable right now.
I love Fuji X to death but I am not impressed with them in the last year and I may be selling off all my gear soon, maybe keeping the X-E1 and X100T for those artistic things I like to do on occasion.
Fantastic talk as always.
I personally couldn’t care less if my sensor is Xtrans or Bayer, but I really don‘t see how Adobe products failing to properly handle Fuji files is Fuji‘s fault.
Xtrans sensors are not exactly a brand new thing, yet Lightroom - a product you pay a monthly subscription for - still can‘t handle them.
What I really want to see from Fuji:
- Mark II versions of their fast primes (I mainly want fast and quiet AF and WR)
- more third party lenses
P.S.: You can‘t get the mobile experience on a camera, because a camera has no mobile SoC, which has a superior CPU, GPU and nowadays also a neural engine. An no, for the love of god, don‘t but Android on my camera.
(That doesn’t excuse the slow and painful transfer process though)
It doesn't matter whose fault it is. Adobe is massive. And most people use Adobe to edit photos. So who suffers? Fuji and their users. Maybe you don't use Adobe. But 90% of people do. Again I ask you, what purpose is Xtrans serving in 2020 that they still hold on it to it?
Andrew & Denae As I said, I have zero problems with Fuji switching to Bayer. Your probably right, it would benefit them.
But this is not something I „hate“ about Fuji. This is something I hate about Adobe and Lightroom: a supposedly PROFESSIONAL software which requires me to pay a significant monthly fee to be able to continue using it and receive updates. Yet they still haven’t figured out or refuse (which would be worse) to probably handle Fuji files.
I would be way more pissed at Adobe than Fuji, especially if I would be a professional.
@@AndrewGoodCamera ... I see your point, but there should be no excuse for Adobe not being able to process Fujifilm X-Trans RAW files by now where others can... similar situation in how slow Premiere would render video, until recently. FCP and Davinci Resolve was running circles around Premiere and customers started to jump ship! Capture One is a viable alternative to LR and I wish Aperture was still in-play.
Not sure they need a FF offering if they can get their medium format down in price and up in performance? Not updating the f1.4 primes is the main issue I have; having silent, small, fast primes will reenforce the advantage of APS-C being a smaller system as well as giving them a video advantage. Anyway, all really good points and everything else aligns with my thinking after using Fuji for 5 years - and also being a product designer. The only thing I haven’t had experience with is their US service but have heard that it is better in Australia. I am giving Fuji to the end of the year to make a final assessment about moving to Canon, Nikon, or Sony. There are some interesting things going on in that space now, especially as their bodies get down to the same price, size and weight as an XT4. I’d prefer to stay with Fuji but want updated lenses, a sign they will provide firmware updates to the XT3, to find a solution for xtrans and Lightroom issues (likely buy Topaz Denoise or Capture One), and a much better/working mobile app!
I’m looking to try Fuji and this was good information.
The app is just awful. Sometimes I can’t even connect it’s just so frustrating. Also when I connect not sure why they don’t let you shot raw remotely.
Found it useful when I did som travelling a week back. But the camera message and options makes no sense. The more I left it alone, the better experience I got. Whenever I tried to understand it by clicking on it in camera, it all fell apart: got random disconnects and it was painfully slow. But if I just left it alone, then it all worked perfectly.
Agree. The app sucks. And why do I have to turn on the location function for it to work at all? Makes no sense. I usually keep location off of my phone and iPad as I don’t want to share my location through SoMe or anyone spying on my whereabouts. Why should I turn it on just to pull pictures out of my camera. Really makes no sense at all.
Fuji did a great job not developing a FF camera, until now I still think it's a good strategy.
I am Fuji-Nikon user for 10+ years, starting from Fuji S5pro-D7200-XE2-D3S-XT3. I love the Fuji white balance+color, and nikon af for sport. During past 10years, I also had sony and canon(G9) DC.
Like other manufacturer Fuji already spend 20+ years evaluate APSC and FF, and they work with Nikon APSC system. From my point of view, Fuji realized they don't have good enough technology in AF system. Then Fuji start from sensor (X-trans CCD to BSI now) and Fuji color style (I would say color friendly) and take the advantage of Nikon lens. Unlike Sigma, Fuji jump into camera body business instead of a 3rd party lens manufacturer.
If Fuji develop FF lens, they will be huge, heavy, slower, noisy, and expensive! They don't need to compete against all other major manufacturers in FF. That's my guess why Fuji major in APSC. Fuji found APSC could be a niche market, and they could make it in a good way.
Furthermore, take a look at the Fuji lens now. I assume Fuji are planning to provide good lens in good quality, optics, compact, and price are still reachable. I feel Fuji are really creating a new style of camera system rather than making a photo taking machine. Starting from extreme 1.4/1.2 lens for photographer, and now f2 for video. Meanwhile, Fuji also provide very high balance kit lens that you can’t ignore.
Oh jeez, this is a very compelling video. Clearly i like how you have been so respectful about how you deliver your findings and experiences. I have quite a few Fuji xt models, i find myself upset also that they would not add filters to the older ranges. I moved to Fujifilm because of its colour technology, its sharpness, its constant updates and it works for me with business as a commercial photographer and as an artist. I still have days were im doing event work and pull an XT1 out for quickness and incredible sharp results on people in low light with flash. Its interesting you brought up this issue of worms on xtrans, i get that a lot on the xt2/3 with my commitment to adobe bridge for pre editing RaW works. Might i see less in Lightroom?
I love fujifilm, and i hear they may also like me haha, but it would be nice to see Acros and updates to older models im so thankful you brought by his up. That said these filters can be figured out and made in the camera and adjusted via tone/highlight/ and contrast sections and saved to CS settings.
£1.99 per month for a channel that will sincere cover cruciall topics and actually help people get better results (cliché) but true. This is a Channel that is helpful and passionate and appreciated. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your kind words!
As a landscape architect and -photographer i’d like Fuji to integrate GPS for geotaging. But that goes fot all camera’s except smartphones...
A GPS unit in a camera is quite battery hungry. I have GPSLogger running in my phone all day long and sync the logged track with my photos in Lightroom later. Very easy.
Hi Andrew, I listened to this with interest. It seems the difficulty for Fuji, or any manufacturer, is that there are almost as many use cases as there are users. Genuinely, with the exception of the 'worm' issue, no of the items you mention are of concern.
#1 - I very rarely use video,
#2 - yes, the worm issue bugged me (see what I did there) I switched to C1 and I haven't thought about it since,
#3 - I switched to Fuji because I was tired of a heavy FF Nikon,
#4 - colour profiles, yeah maybe. As long as I can see b+w in the viewfinder when I'm thinking in b+w that's good enough for me.
#5 - durability has been fine for me and I go through periods when I shoot a lot. I've not needed support so I can't comment.
#6 - I used mobile support a couple of times because I could. I don't think I've ever turned the Bluetooth on. In fact, now I think about it, I don't know what it does.
And isn't that the problem, you ask the next user they'll have a whole different set of priorities from both you and me. You can't please all the people all the time, you have to try to please most of the people most of the time. For my money, Fuji do that fairly successfully.
All of these aren't necessarily huge issues for me either. But the reason I think they are BIG issues for FUJI is because if they don't take a good hard look at them, it will continue to cost them market share.
I just bought an xt1 not long ago. I am happy with it so far but it’s a learning curve for me coming from canon and sony. I haven’t bought any fuji lenses yet i have been adapting m42 and minolta md lenses since i was doing that with my other cameras. In my limited research it seems the fuji lenses are more expensive then what I thought they would be. I have considered getting some manual focus off brand lenses for it or getting an autofocus adapter to use my canon lenses. Not really sure what will be the best option for me.
The statement at 05:06 it's the less discussed problem ever about Fui, in fact even the best zoom lenses has this kind of "problems", while the cheaper lumix or other brand zoom lenses does not.
For an hybrid system, like the Mirrorless Fuji X, is a huge problem mostly related to lens "design" so hard to solve in the future, surely not just via firmware.
Can I add another couple of favourite "hates"?
1) The 30 min video limit. If the GH5 can have unrestricted recordings then why not Fuji, and,
2) the micro HDMI connector, which is so sensitive, I only have to breath on it to drop out, forcing me to buy a cage with cable clamps just for this one feature!
I was looking into the XT4 coming from canon, will I enjoy the process? Shooting mostly stills but interested in video also.
Hi Andrew,
Someone else might have commented on this already, but I have had cause to use the UK Fujifilm repair centre a few time recently. My experience is overwhelmingly positive, from receiving a refund when they found no fault, to emails when the item is received, phone calls when needing to discuss, and, wonder of wonders, an online form which allows the email contacts etc. Their e-mail support for the repair centre is also fantastic. I hope that they will roll this service out to other areas, as it is truly fantastic, and much better than my previous experience of other brands.
I certainly agree with the focus breathing and exposure jumping issues, though, and regarding the film profile availability.
Great, thoughtful, and considered content as always. Keep up the great work!
Best wishes
Andrew
That does seem to be a pattern. Folks in the UK seem to love their Fuji support center (centre) ;)
Re: Fuji service issues. I’m lucky enough to have a strong local camera dealer. Every new camera I’ve bought for over 20 years has been through them. If there’s a service issue, I take it back to the store and it gets dealt with. If the warranty’s expired, I pay for it. Over the years I’ve had Canon, Panasonic, and Fuji serviced through the store. So here’s my plug for a local store with a door, and a shoutout to Don’s Photo in Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, Canada. And yes I had the T4 shutter issue, coupled with the 2nd card slot not reading class II cards. It was a very early T4 as I had preordered it and got it in early June. Don’s returned it and the second T4 I got shortly thereafter is perfect.
Hi Andrew, since you really know the video side of the fuji system, and I already got the Xt3 (first camera I ever bought), what Zoom lens and prime lens would you recommend for someone who mainly do run and gun shooting with autofocus?
I owned the 18-55 kit lens already, I am thinking of getting the 23mm f2 for lower light ability or would you recommend the 16-55 f2.8 instead?
THanks.
That's the question I never know how to answer. None of the solutions are ideal, honestly.
@@AndrewGoodCamera Thanks for the quick reply, so do you personally think that any video shooter should not use Fuji at all with auto focus?
@@AndrewGoodCamera or maybe you could share with us what lens do you use for your XT4 for video shooting?
@@IsaacFromHK I prefer the zooms for video. But I try to never zoom whilst filming (due to the dip in exposure and focus issue). 16-80 f4 most of the time and 16-55 2.8 when in lower light.
Hi Andrew, I like this video (I do like most of your content)- I'm with Fuji since S5Pro, currently X-T1 and X-T4 with tons of lenses. I disagree with Fuji going FF (currently would be to risky for business due to Canon, Nikon & Sony war). I do agree with "LUT" profiles; I can't comment on sensor type since I 'm happy with my photography results and using C1 - just not happy with Adobe subscription model.
1. Fuji should allow users with manual colour profiles upload option.
2. GPS build in would be a nice option to see as build in.
3. Face/eye autofocus to be improved
As per still hobbyist photographer I'd be perfectly happy with above. One more to disagree:
- Apps on camera for sharing/editing content (controversial to me) would require programming development and probably an OS to support that on camera and finally could slow down some more photography important features (not with current tech from IT perspective).
As additional to those talking about phone photography, please take into your consideration how long it takes to turn your phone from been completely off to the point where you can start taking pictures - would you be happy for your camera to have a "boot" time? -the simple reason why it takes time 10sec to possibly even a min or more is todays technology with memory and components speed that has to load Operating System to the memory. Yes OS will allow to run some software specific for your photo needs but traditional camera will always be focused to turn on and shoot - be ready in no time.
Do you boot up your phone each time you want to use it though? A camera that simply wakes from sleep (like a phone) would be faster still.
Fuji’s North America Service Center SUCKS! I called them a couple of years ago when the Camera Remote iOS app stopped connecting to my X100T camera and everyone else’s Fuji camera if you read the reviews. He told me it must be my WiFi connection which is powered by a circuit board and it would need to be replaced. The technician told me there is nothing wrong with their app, he even laughed at me over the phone and told me I was wrong, that no one else was having problems with the app. I told him to look at the reviews on the Apple App Store if he didn’t believe me. The app had a 1 Star rating at the time. He still said I was wrong. So I called him an idiot and hung up. Fast forward to Fuji’s next update to their Camera Remote App and my camera is connecting again. Guess I wasn’t wrong after all! It’s crappy service like that that gives me pause about buying more Fuji products.
Mr. Andrew, I don't want to talk about this video specifically. I would like to share that you do have a very charismatic presence on the camera and a feeling of honesty and simpleness. I am changing for Fuji system and I hope you keep sharing your experience and tips for Fuji users like me (in the future). Greatings!
New firmware for the X-T4 just dropped, and it looks like they improved the exposure transition issue in video. It looks like exposure changes much smoother than previously. I know you have mentioned that being one issue that's bugged you in the past as it has mine. Would love to see if you concur with these improvements.
Fair points. I'm a hobbyist and just love the Fujifilm experience. Photography became so much more fun after switching from my Nikon DSLR.
Right now im having issue with my xt3. An error Msg regarding battery show up intermittently and Flicker. I had sent in to service, got it back fixed but after 2 days of use, same issue again. Tomorrow taking to service center again. Anybody had the same issue?
Question: Are you using Fuji's NP-W126S battery, the one with the round orange dot on the end? Earlier, W-126 batteries will give you and error message warning of more rapidly depleating power. Hope this helps.
@@jeffadrian7271 yes I'm using 126S battery. But you are right, message that pop up is regarding that only. Service center said they did some re calibration. by which I think they mean, they increased the battery leakage level threshold for the Msg to pop up. And it was okay after I recieved it from service center. May be when I use back button focusing there is a spike in leakage above that threshold they set and again the Msg is poping up. This is what I suspect.
@@jeffadrian7271 last week it was still under warranty. This week its not. I really hope they didnt just do a cosmetic work to hide the real issue as it was under warranty. And this week I'm afraid they will charge me for hardware replacement. But anyway I'll go and see what happens.
1: I shoot video so rarely, this doesn't impact me, but everything you said makes sense. It also seems like something that could be done without changing the overall system.
2: I don't know that I have a strong preference. I recall picking the x-trans images overwhelmingly in your blind test, but ,as you said, the x-trans sensors were newer and higher res. It IS a pain that editing software doesn't always play well with the files, but I like Capture One, so it doesn't bother me, personally.
3: I'll echo what others have said; I don't think 'full frame' deserves it's place as 'the standard from which all other sensors deviate'. When 35mm film came out, REAL photographers considered it a toy, and not something they would ever use. I think coming out with a 35mm type sensor would tank Fuji. I don't see any camera company having the spare resources to develop an entirely new system , even if they leveraged an existing mount.
4: Yeah, that seems like what we call a 'dick move'. I don't feel like there can be any technical limitations to justify it, so I agree they need to make this stuff available on older models.
5: Having only recently started using Fuji, I haven't run into this much, although I HAVE seen the green flicker you mentioned, on my X-T3. Weird, and a little distracting, but if that's all it does, I can live with it. Hopefully I don't have to deal with support any time soon.
6: I'd love to see more editing built in, definitely. I like the film simulations enough that I have done a quick edit in camera, saved as a jpg, sent to the phone, and uploaded from there. Not TOO much of a hassle, but still more steps than would be ideal.
Thankfully this video didn't come out a week earlier as I just enjoyed 10 days on the beach with my Fuji cameras and had a great time...now I found out I was deceived they are not good enough for the videos I shot and the fact I didn't edit them on the tiny screen with sand all over my hands means they are not good enough :-)
I can’t help but notice a lot of Fuji disappointment from users lately at least on the feeds that I regularly watch. Since the XT4 has been released, people have really started talking about the lenses having poor performance in video etc and want improvements, which are totally valid. I agree with most of the comments in this video, however I can’t see how Fuji would get into full frame regardless of how much people want that. Their model is APS-C and medium format and I personally like it and Fuji are heavily invested in that. Coming from full frame I’ve always been amazed by Fuji raw files, the differences are minor. The trade off of having smaller bodies and lenses, for me is perfect. Fuji are more likely going to fine tune what they have where they have little market competition. I would like to see lens improvements for video, improved menus, af more in line with Sony / Canon and yes connectivity needs some work. I appreciate your videos Andrew.
Yes... the lenses that are being used on the X-T4 has been adorned on many X-H1, X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T20, X-Pro3, X-T3, and X-T30... they add IBIS and a flip screen and it just seems that the camera is now unusable and lenses are broken. Why was no one disappointed or listed major flaws with the X-T3 and X-T30 performance? These reported problems must not have been new... or all of these YT influencers are full of it!
Jay T. Yeah agreed the xt3 was highly praised and didn’t seem to have same concerns at the time. Philip Bloom’s video did a lot to highlight it and since then it’s made people talk more openly about it. It’s clearly an issue. I’m a stills shooter only really, but like Andrew said, Fuji are pushing video and they need to improve the lenses to keep up and please existing customers who have invested. I always think at their heart Fuji are a stills company and that’s why their cameras are such a joy much like Leica. However they are also great at video now and can only get better. There’s a lot of attention on the R5 and this will push all manufactures to keep up regardless of sensor size.
Hi,
Greetings from India,
I am thinking to switch from Sony a7iii to fuji xh-1.
Sony I feel it's a delicate darling. No ruggedness. 2ndly, have always shot crop sensors befor buying Sony a7iii. (I didnot find fullframe working for me) I need more reach as I m mostly into nature, streets & macro photography. 3rd Sony lenses are out of my budget.. and third party lenses still I don't know they don't work properly I mean after sometime there are issue.
Should I go for fuji XH1 or some other brand.
Please advice, u confused me...
Awaiting yours
Kiran Rawal
For Video, the exposure stepping is maddening. It drives me crazy.
Yup. :/
So true. It completely ruins footage. Just got the X-T4 and find this totally unacceptable. I try to experiment with the AEL but there is no indication of whether it’s on or not. Simply unreliable and adding stress and insecurity to any, particular outdoor, recordings.
I use the plug-in irident, in LR
what do you think?
Just a thought: God could have easily put a Bayer pattern of cone receptors on my retina, but he chose a random pattern. Hmmmm... Maybe the whole premise that the Xtrans isn’t needed anymore is flawed or not future-proof? And if you think Bayer is an advantage, then why hasn’t natural selection trended towards more organized patterns in our eyes, or in any species’ eyes. Or maybe I’m unaware? Anyway, I think I still have pseudo-Xtrans eyes that convert those bayer digital images for me. 😂
Old argument. Xtrans is NOT random. In fact, can be just as identifiable as a pattern at certain zoom levels.
Andrew & Denae, Yes, Xtrans isn’t random. It’s pseudo-random. It’s repetition pattern involves many more pixels than bayer. Xtrans is closer to nature. Our technology can’t yet process a completely random array, but our brains can. (Our brains are also about one million times more energy efficient that the best computers.)
No, it's not psuedo random. It is a repeated pattern, same as Bayer. The pattern is just larger.
Andrew & Denae, literally the definition of pseudo random.
@@swagonman Thats fine. We'll go with your literal definition of psuedo random. And by that definition, Bayer is psuedo random also. They both use repeated mosaic patterns which can be recognized by the brain.
The last point about better image sharing is an absolute no brainer. Great idea!
Good points! My xt3 crapped out with the control dial not working correctly, randomly switching between movie mode and S and others randomly. Can't wait to get it back repaired. Its always my secondary camera behind my Canon gear which is built like a tank, and never failed me (Except for my 1dii which is still my favorite camera ever, mirror mechanism denigrated after a million shutter actuations.) Hope fuji listens to your suggestions. Mobile app communication with camera is spotty, I thought it was only my camera.
I actually jumped over from Olympus recently because the x-t4 seemed like the closest analogue: compact, lightweight with decent ibis and weather sealing. Every manufacturer has it's pros and cons, and that's the benefit of choice and competition. Compared to the uncertainty of what long term support I could've expected after the Olympus sale and their track record, Fuji seems to be much more on the ball about market demands. I hate the Sony handling and controls and there always seems to be something keeping me Canon even though I started off with them
Andrew I loved your point on the software aspect and social media sharing. I jumped from Sony to Fuji and I hated the Fuji iPhone app. It worked one time for me. I promptly went back to Sony for several reasons but at least Sony and Panasonic have apps that work when it comes to sharing photos to your iPhone......but if they all could just allow social media uploads!
This is all truth, and I shoot Fujifilm , Canon, and Nikon. Still 100% prefer Fujifilm.
To your last point, I remember the Fujifilm v10 (c2006) had an arcade game on it, a foray into the mobile world.
Also, Nikon and Samsung both had cameras that had Android for an interface. The main issue was always that all the apps updated to the new OS but the camera would never be able to update. I'm more suprised that Sony/ Nokia didn't end up being a real phone/camera contender.
Hi, I love your channel.
Could you comment on the IBIS-related noise problem in the X-T4 and, I guess, also in other Fuji cameras? I just bought a used X-T4 and noticed this noise. In a quiet room, it is audible and is recorded by the internal microphones on the film. I found user statements on DPReview and Reddit that this is normal. Even statements from Fuji support were quoted. Is indeed this noise a normal phenomenon? I haven't seen any review so far that mentions it.
Good critical review, great point on X-trans. Having just added a FF camera to my set, I think FF has a role and is more of an upgrade path in my mind than medium format as it is radically different in so many ways to APS-C (which is still great BTW), without the lenses being gigantic as is often the case on medium format. You’re also 100% right on the importance of customer experience, though my 7 Fuji lenses and x-pro 1 and 2 have been faultless. Hopefully Fuji will up their game with a 100% Japanese X-H2 with GFX quality that links seamlessly to a smartphone.
Good last point. Maybe we ask too much though. Do we need every ‘short cut’, or are we loosing part of the experience. We can’t compare a pro camera with a smartphone. Different beasts for different people. That’s like saying one lens should do everything. Impossible
What do you think about Olympus m43 as a system? Have you ever made any comparison? Thanks
I think it's great. But haven't shot with Olympus a ton.
question: when you convert fuji RAWS to adobe raws, and then edit them in say capture one... does that still create problems? I've been converting them to adobe DNG.. should I keep them as fuji Raws? thanks!
If you edit in C1, there are no issues.
Take a look at the Zeiss ZX1 its a 35mm full-frame camera with integrated lightroom support. It is exactly what you want but I don't know if it will ever be released.
I've been really looking forward to it. But just too expensive, even if it is released.
For #5. I just turned in my X-T4 for repair. The LCD screen had a green blob on it while it was on. I did go through the same process as you but they did give me a “ticket” number to check online the status. I didn’t have that same experience. I will get it back this Monday. Took about 2 weeks start to finish.
Where do you live?
Andrew & Denae Dallas, Texas
I wish that had been my experience. This is one of the few positive reviews I've heard of the US service center.
I’d love prime’s that aren’t loud, but my 16-55 is like the greatest thing ever. It’s amazing for video. I didn’t even know that reliability was a thing? I’ve never had a problem with my xt3 or xt30. I do get the green flicker screen every once in a while but I thought that might be normal, as it doesn’t do anything to the image. And to the point of the camera app, it has come a long way. A LONG Way. Because it used to flat out suck. But over the last 3-6 months there hasn’t been a time where I wasn’t able to connect and download an image quickly. Which brings me to your point of software/social media integration - I’ve had multiple jobs where the client has been downright confused how I got them edited photos so quickly. Personally I think that side of my workflow is pretty solid. All in all I’m stoked with Fuji. The only thing I truly hate, is that we’re still rocking micro HDMI ports.
Hey Andrew ;)
Havent 'visited' here in a while..
I would say i agree with all your points..some more than others, naturally..
And the one I agree with the most is the smart-phone-camera-app argument.
I think it is completely & utterly pertinent.
It's one of those things that I believe we (consumers) probably don't know enough....though..as not a single manufacturer has done it yet..
WHY ??
Cheers from Portugal ;)
And thanks for the video!
Staying relevant ;)
I have a lot of overlap:
Firmware updates for films sims.. However if may not be cheap for fuji to do this. Despite having the same processor and sensor, it may not be as easy to just cut and paste code.. The hardware and wiring have changed for the IBIS, new power, new ports. So I propose having paid updates to feature firmware while keeping the utility firmware and bug fixes free.
Yeah I was one of the ones that bitched about the emphasis on video for the XT line… I wrote them a letter even. The Xt is pushed more as a hybrid camera while the xpro is pushed specifically as a stills camera, even removing video features. Its even a bit of miracle that the xpro is what it is as far as a stills camera. I got into the xt line back with he xt2 so I bought into the idea that the XT was just a redesigned xpro. With the xt4, that firmly puts it into the hybrid camera.. more like an xh line. It disappointing because coupled with the above firmware update issue, its a much different camera company than when I first got the xt2.
I’m not a video guy but I’m familiar… yeah to commit the XT to be a hybrid camera and not really have video centric lenses is, again, odd to me. the XT3 was released with some cinema fuji lenses, what happened to that? many of the X lenses are photo lenses, not video. Canon released many of their lenses knowing that they will be for hybrid use. i guess I’m lamenting still this hybrid push that fuji is doing now while I was sold on my xt2 and 3 purchases that these were from a film and photo stills shooting company. I use Canon for my pro and hybrid stuff. Fuji was my strictly photographic camera.
I REALLY wish the xt4 was released as an xh update and kept the xt line as it was… I mean who uses the dials on the xt line for video? thats strictly a stills thing. most people use the off camera atoms touch screen or the lens to change settings. the Hybrid fuji setup seems like a hodgepodge to me IMHO.
Have you tried Capture One? It's a huge difference working with X-Trans and compared to LR it has several huge advantages (and some disadvantages as well).
WRT to full frame: I believe one of the smartest move from Fuji is to stay out of the FF snake pit and go medium format for high quality or stay small.
But one thing I hate ist their tendency to mess up the location of the tripod screw mount. It's totally unusable on the X100, X-T30, and X-E3 (close to the battery door, off-axis). On the X-Pro3 it's way too much towards the rear side and when a plate is mounted you cannot flip der screen all way down. The only body, where they have it right is the X-Tx, but with the X-T4 they started to move it to the rear again.
Yeah certainly. I really wanted to love C1.
The tripod mount location is totally a good point. That's been a frustration for me in the past also.
I love Fuji cameras, and have owned them since the X-E1. But I have to agree with your criticisms. Since I got the X-T4, I can't get the Fuji remote app to work at all. It worked somewhat better on my X-T2. Focusing during video still isn't great on the X-T4, either. Question for you. What camera would you recommend for good video and stills photography if not Fuji? I actually loved my Olympus OM-D camera, except for the u4/3 sensor. Would you prefer Sony for a good hybrid camera? Lumix? Just curious.
Imagine if they implemented what he speaks on in True mobile support-part (17:18).
- So, that's one XT-5 in the bag with a couple of fast primes. So, mate, how many extra batteries do you want? 50-100?
- Nah, I'll be shooting a corporate event all day tomorrow.... better make that 300 batteries, my good sir!
I've always thought.the battery argument was a bit overblown. I can shoot an event on two or three x-t3 batteries or one x-t4 battery and it's not a big deal. Others use the battery grip and it's still a lower total weight than a full frame system. What do you value more? Weight or battery life. But it's just physics. It's not like Fuji can improve that without increasing the size of their bodies.
@@AndrewGoodCamera Yes, it was a joke :)
I get by on three batteries a day on my Fuji with constant shooting (with no video recording). But it is still weird to me that we accept that batteries drain this fast. My old Canon could go on for weeks without charging. But that was a much larger camera that could accommodate bigger batteries.
#1) Yes, Fuji should bring version II of their 1.4 lenses, for video and faster focusing (but current version are still usable for stills).
#2) Fuji should never come up with Full-Frame what they are doing with GFX is phenomenal, I think not going FF is the best decision they have made. Instead, they should focus on making GFX much more competitive to FF like bringing PDAF, IBIS to GFX 50 series.
#3) For X-Trans I am neutral about it ... as long image quality is the same ... (GFX itself is a good example for a non X-Trans sensor) and Fuji can do it ;)
#4) I have used Capture One and Lightroom ... Capture one seems to be superior to Lightroom not just for Fuji but for Sony and Nikon as well. I have seen users of Sony and Nikon admitting that raw conversion by Capture One is better. And about worm artifacts ..there are Videos and blogs about minimizing that effect it's actually very simple ..else the user can use Iridient X-transformer. I personally use Capture One ... it's really phenomenal.
#5) Yes Fuji should support new film simulations for older cameras, I really like Classic Negative film simulation but no support for older cameras and it doesn't make any sense to buy a new camera body just for Film simulation.
Love your perspective and videos. I have been shooting Fuji X-T series the last three years. I now have the 4. I use LR and don’t have problems with the worms. I don’t over sharpen and then use about 60 in Masking. Learned this from some long time Fuji shooters. I also have the Sony a7R IV that I use for sports and wildlife. I prefer my Fuji files over the Sony. I’m really pleased with the dynamic range of the Fuji files. And call me one of the crazy ones who can see a huge difference in the noise in the Fuji files. I call it sand-like. And so easy to deal with in high ISO images. I came from Nikon and have used most major brands but I’ve never seen noise like Fuji’s. Not sure if it is due to the x-trans sensor or not. I’m new to video. Hoping to use the video features and IBIS in the X-T4 but the lenses can be frustrating. I have found the 23 f2 and 16-80 to be best but fraught with frustration. A frustrating thing is when I use the touch screen for video I loose eye focus. Turn the camera off and back on and it immediately returns. When doing a slow pan the IBIS system makes the image jittery. Hope this all gets improved in a firmware update. So close on video! Thanks for all your content!
Hi Andrew! I've been a big fan of your channel for over a year now because I really respect your opinion and the hard work you put on the videos!
I currently have a Fuji xt-100 with the kit lens and, since I'm a student and I don't have much money, I never invested in new glass. I only have some vintage lenses that I actually love to used (btw, your 50mm vintage lenses comparison was awesome!).
But after saving up for a while, I seeking for a new camera (which I could make videos with) and some good glass. My questions is, would you think that Fuji is actually a good option, financially speaking? I'm asking this because I usually hear that Fuji glass is cheaper in comparison, but when I compare each lens with the full frame equivalent, it doesn't look cheaper. For example, the Fuji xf 35 f1.4 (converted to ff this would be a 50mm f2) costs 600usd however, a Canon 50mm f1.4 costs 400usd and a Sony 50mm f1.8 costs 250usd. And from these 2 last lenses I do get the a "full frame look".
I would really appreciate if you could give me your opinion about this. I do enjoy shooting with Fuji but I would be open to try a new system, even more if it would mean that I could save up money. #StudentLife
Thank you so much and cheers from Europe!
No, Fuji lenses are not the cheapest. If you feel you need a large body of lenses to take your creativity to the next level, and you need the cheapest options possible, you'd probably get the best value for dollar with used Canon and third party lenses for EOS.
Andrew & Denae wow, even my gf doesn't answer this quickly! Thank you for taking the time to answer me. I will try to borrow a Canon camera to see if I like it. Thanks again!
That last point is spot on and something I hadn't really considered much. I often will skip taking my bulky DLSR with me because my phone is just easier but also because it is offers instant gratification. You're 100% right, especially when talking about smaller camera bodies that are intended for travel or to keep with you throughout the day. Why can't we take a photo and then easily upload it directly to whichever online service we choose? That would be a huge game-changer as most of my work goes right to FB, Discord or Instagram.
Full frame only bothers me when I am using legacy glass. Nikon Z5 looking pretty good for that right about now.
Nikon service is great. Online submission, online updates. I had my D600 back in 3 weeks after dropping it on a hard surface and dislodging the mirror.
But when it comes to modern AF primes, color film looks, analog style interface and rangefinder style bodies (left eye shooter) - Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuji.
I’ve just got into mirrorless and haven’t been using the XT20 long enough (only bought it last year) to be a critic. However, what I can say is I absolutely hate using the Fuji app to connect to the camera. It’s like constantly having to find the sweet spot every 2-3 mins...sometimes it’s close and above the hotshoe, but sometimes it’s further away or below the camera ...
Fuji fanboy here. Thanks for a thoughtful and thought provoking video. Fair criticisms mostly, but one nit: Why would Fuji introduce another line of bodies and lenses (that would take years) for full frame? I’d rather Fuji refine their x series lenses for video and transform the GFX medium format line as you suggest. Just my two cents.
As I said, so that they can be taken more seriously and further dominate a market that isn't being kind to them because they eschew full frame.
Andrew & Denae As a wishlist item, I get it. But the market also initially eschewed digital in the film days, and mirrorless in the DSLR days. Markets evolve, and plenty of professionals shoot Fuji. I’d rather Fuji sink those marketing and R&D dollars into existing lines. Anyway, love your videos. Thanks.
I think that's not a parallel. The market, to me, doesn't show any signs of "coming around" to APS-C. That's a harder fight for FUJI to win, in my mind.
Note one of the complaints about Fuji's video focus is that there are changes on the X-T4 that make it a worse stills camera in some regards than the X-T3. Specifically losing the metering mode switch (regularly used by anybody who spot meters for exposure) for a stills/video switch that will stay stuck on stills for the photographer, as well as losing Fuji's brilliant dual-flip LCD (the best tripod LCD setup on the market for stills use) for a flip/twist implementation that's hated by anyone who regularly uses an L bracket (like pretty much every landscape photographer).
it's not so much that Fuji brought out a more video-focused body so much as they did so in the series that is Fuji's best generalist stills body. If the X-T4 had been an X-H2, there would have been far less angst as the X-H series has generally been though of as the 'hybrid' series to the X-Tx and X-Prox line's stills focus.
Whats your thoughts on the x-s10?
Amen! As a full time commercial and wedding photographer, I am heavily invested in the canon system but have always had a soft spot for Fujifilm and have owned a few over the years. I currently have an x-t3 and a couple great lenses but your criticisms are spot on and highlight the reasons why I’ve never fully made the switch. The full frame part is the biggest one for me. Fuji has done an okay job making up for it with low distortion lenses but i’m used to the beautiful compression of a full frame sensor. I love medium format film but just don’t think a digital medium format camera would fit my workflow. With the new Canon R5 out, it might be time for me to let go and move on. Thank you Fujifilm (hope you’re listening) for making a camera that feels so good in so many ways.
You bring up some excellent points. I would love to do away with transferring files from my memory card, or connecting to my phone to get my images. Fuji and other camera manufacturers need to have a cloud service that the camera connects to and automatically uploads files from the memory card. It would be great to go out and take a bunch of photos/videos, come home and the camera connects to my home network and automatically uploads my files, then when I sit down at my computer all my files are in the cloud already.
To answer your negatives...
1. Video - I'm not a video photographer, but I fully understand your points.
2. Sensor - I actually use Darktable for all my professional work, and don't really see what people see in Lightroom. Not a fan of Capture One, but really tried to like it.
3 - No full frame, they make the best APS-C and amazing medium format. I think Fuji have captured the market they want to target well. It's hard to compete with Nikon/Canon.
4 - I agree with the film simulations, there's no reason why the can't do updates for all cameras. This is a big shame as you say. Agree with all you say on this.
5 - Durability is fine, although my X-T20 is nothing like my old Nikon's.
6 - Not had dealings with this so can't comment.
A great video, and no reason anyone shouldn't take something from it. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from South Africa. Thanks for this Andrew. Love my XT3 and X100, but the complicated and deep menu is my biggest gripe, along with the darn WORM issue in Lightroom. Apart from stills, I also shoot video professionally, the 16-80mm is a step in the right direction, but more video lenses needed as you say. The Canon R5 is going to force all manufacturers to up their game considerably.
I wont lie, Im very interested in the new Nikon mirrorless. If its sensor is anything like the D610's sensor, I'd be very happy. That camera had SO much dynamic range and low noise. Loved it. (Did not love the size and weight though.)
Credibility high. Valuable expert advice to leadership at Fujifilm. Impressive use of techno-media.
Aside: Sony has a serious camera division and is an android phone company too, and they haven't tried to go in the suggested direction. And they make the CMOS and X-trans sensors for almost everybody. Makes you wonder.
Love your videos Andrew! Constructive criticism is a good thing, it's free advice from you to Fuji how to improve their products.
I agree with you on the video lens issue. No issue for me, as I only shoot stills. That's why I love the STILL/MOVIE switch on my X-T4...
Seriously Andrew, are you asking Fuji to change a unique selling point of their X-T line because Adobe makes crappy products? That's like asking BMW to replace the boxer engine in my bike because my favourite mechanic doesn't have the skills to service it. Of course boxer engines are not necessary nowadays, but the better way to deal with that is buying a different bike or telling my favourite mechanic he can no longer work for me if he doesn't know how to service boxer engines. In short: use Capture One for Fujifilm X-T raw conversion.
I think Fuji is wise not to jump into the red sea the full frame market is. For most use cases FF does not offer significant benefits over APS-C. For some use cases it does, and if I would have such a use case I would likely skip FF and move to medium format. Fuji is doing great making the GFX-es more competitive with FF camera's. If they continue to improve they will have some real FF killers in my view.
Capture One also has the Fuji film simulations, so I assume you can use them with older Fuji bodies from there. If this is not possible because of a Fuji limitation that can easily be overcome I agree with you on this one.
I don't have any experience with Fuji support, so I cannot comment on that.
How many people that are now happily taking pictures with their smartphones do you think will invest serious money in a Fuji camera and lens setup that is a lot bigger and heavier and can do some of the things their smartphones can do for a long time already? A photo camera is a niche product for people loving the process of photography, and that is not going to change by adding internet connectivity. Furthermore, with internet connectivity come a lot of problems: the camera could get infected with malware making it unusable, or requiring me to pay ransom to get my photo's back.
Lots I could comment on, but one in particular: you said xtrans is a unique selling point. How? What does it do that is helpful to anyone in 2020?
@@AndrewGoodCamera Unique in that it's different from the competition. Is it better than other sensor types? There are tons of TH-cam video's on that. I think it's very good, certainly good enough for my use cases. So what it does for me: it allowes me to take images I am happy with. No need for change.
Am I the only one with issues about fine tuning focus? Maybe its just the low end XT-100 but i would love having an old school split focus ring for manual focusing. like focus peaking doesn’t necessarily pick up detail or highlights where I want it to and I just can’t judge the sharpness adequately with looking into the evf
You're a great candidate for an X-Pro line camera.
Your honesty is greatly appreciated. Some Fuji channels only rave about the green grass there.
I am new to photography and my XT-3 is the first "serious" camera I've ever owned, so I have yet to experience a lot of the negatives you mention - but I trust your judgement. I'm also more of an enthusiast, I really baby my gear, and I knew C1 would be better for me than Lightroom going into my purchase...it helps that I've never used Lightroom, so maybe ignorance is bliss at this point. I also can't really afford to buy a different system as frequently as some seem to do; going to make the best of this for a while. Still, I think this is a great video and exactly the kind of constructive criticism any camera manufacturer needs to improve the user experience.
My biggest gripe with Fuji cameras is the lack of full custom settings banks. I know that the dials and aperture rings don’t make this feel intuitive but every single exposure setting on a Fuji camera can be set by a dial in various modes regardless of that dials actually physical position. I want to be able to save colour profile, focus area, exposure settings and then recall them like canon and Nikon have had for at least 10 years. Even if they just let each drive mode have a independent settings would be a step forward.
In February 2020 I sent my X-T20 to Fuji Canada for service and I had the same experience, had to email them to know the status of my repair, then no news if it was on warranty or not and then an email telling it has been repaired and will be ship. Ask them when, no answer and then an email with a tracking number. And yes I think they outsourced their repair but not 100 % sure
:/ Yup